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Residents in Maricopa will get a special chance to look up and celebrate Independence Day tomorrow as jets from Luke Air Force Base soar overhead. It’s part of a 90-minute Fourth of July flyover across Central Arizona.

Maricopa is one of 14 cities across Pinal, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties featured in the flyover.

“The 308th Fighter Squadron from the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base is honored to conduct a flyover across 14 cities on July 4, celebrating Independence Day,” squadron spokesperson Jenna Bigham said in a statement to InMaricopa. “Whether residents see us at a planned event or catch a glimpse en route, we hope they enjoy the display and know how much we appreciate their unwavering support.”

The flyover tradition will include a pass above Copper Sky Regional Park, giving Maricopa families a front-row view of the jets. Luke Air Force Base officials said the flyovers are their way of thanking the community for its continued support and showcasing the skills of the pilots who train at the West Valley base.

Maricopa residents are encouraged to gather safely at Copper Sky or find an open area nearby to watch the jets fly by. The flyovers are expected to begin around 6:15 p.m. tomorrow, with pilots making their pass over Maricopa between 6:36 and 6:46 p.m.

Fireworks will follow at Copper Sky for the Great American 4th celebrations from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Duke’s Roadhouse has also invited Maricopa residents to view the flyover and fireworks from the new honky-tonk restaurant’s second-story rooftop terrace.

In case you’re traveling for the holiday, the jets will also fly over Peoria, Goodyear, Avondale, Tolleson, Phoenix, Mesa, Buckeye, Wickenburg, Prescott, Cottonwood, Payson, Fountain Hills and Surprise.

Here is the complete list of flyover times and locations, according to Luke Air Force Base:

Flyover times may change based on weather or other factors. Residents can check Luke Air Force Base’s social media channels for updates or follow the city’s Independence Day event page for local details.

Local photographers and anthophiles, rejoice! It’s been two years, but Maricopa’s sunflowers are finally back in action.

Ninety verdant acres clothed in a sea of canary yellow sit just south of State Route 238 on Ralston Road and eagle-eyed residents spotted the golden blooms recently. It’s the first time the sunflowers have been sighted since 2023.

There’s a simple explanation for that, said Thunderbird Farms resident Frank Fierro. He manages the field in partnership with agronomist Jon Chernicky of Arid Ag Research and farmer Larry Hart for commercial sales.

“Our worst enemy is the birds,” Fierro told InMaricopa yesterday.

Last year, the birds consumed roughly 50% of the planting seeds, meaning the crop never fully took root and Hart opted to plant alfalfa instead.

Fierro said the birds swoop in from a neighboring dairy and seem to “know when the seed starts to turn black.”

That’s prime harvesting time not only for birdie bellies but also Cargill Beauty, the personal care brand of the Minnesota-based food corporation of the same name.

“Our seed goes to Cargill Beauty for cosmetic oil. The high-oleic [acid] is the substance they look for,” Fierro said.

High-oleic acid has a long shelf life, making it a perfect ingredient for beauty products. Because the sunflower oil will be used for cosmetics, Fierro said the team only uses a limited amount of plant-based fertilizer and avoids pesticides and genetically modified seeds at the Ralston Road farm and others in Arizona City, Eloy and Casa Grande.

Fierro said he and landowner Hart don’t have issues with locals stopping by to shoot some photos or spot birds.

“Just stay on the road,” Fierro advised. “As long as the cars don’t travel on private property, people can walk to the flowers. Just remember it’s the farmer’s land.”

Maricopa residents only have a few more days to enjoy the golden views. Fierro estimated the blooms would remain for another seven to 10 days before the petals begin dropping from the heat and are ready for harvesting.

Business Facilities: Please describe the business climate in the City of Maricopa, AZ and the broad advantages for business.

Christian Price: The City of Maricopa is located in the Phoenix metro area, situated in Pinal County, about 30 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport and downtown Phoenix.

As a 22-year-old city, we are one of the fastest growing cities in the country, expanding from a population of just over 1,200 people in the year 2000, to roughly 80,000 people today. Maricopa also ranks as one of the most diverse, highly educated and safest cities in all of Arizona. Maricopa boasts an incredibly pro-business climate, believes in business speed to market, and also benefits from attractive land prices, natural gas, power and 100-year water supply.

BF: What are the leading industries in Maricopa?

Price: Maricopa has several key economic sectors/industries that we focus on in the business and industrial space:

The semiconductor industry has a strong regional presence, with both Intel and TSMC located within the trade area. With the longtime presence of Volkswagen and Nissan proving grounds, and Lucid Motor Company’s manufacturing facility nearby, it is easy to find synergy from within the automative sector. University of Arizona’s research facility and partnership with USDA’s Arid Land Institute highlight agricultural businesses that thrive in the city of Maricopa.

These strengths help make Maricopa attractive to opportunities for business growth, partnerships and expansion.

BF: What are long-standing advantages for business in Maricopa?

Price: These are simple — Maricopa is located within the Phoenix metro region and is consistently growing a highly educated and highly skilled workforce. There is access to rail and the Union Pacific mainline efficient transportation corridors, water, natural gas, electricity, cost effective land prices, and a pro-business climate, which all make Maricopa the perfect location for an expanding or relocating business. The city also has extremely competitive housing prices for the comparable metro area along with ever-expanding housing subdivisions ready to house the workforce.

BF: What are recent developments that site selection teams should know about when it comes to the business climate?

Price: Maricopa seeks to find ways to say ‘Yes’ to new businesses and industries. The City of Maricopa’s city council has purchased over 1,200 acres of land specifically for industrial and commercial purposes. With the Maricopa Business Park, the city continues to show its commitment to economic development, coupled with an efficient permitting process, to help move new industry and commerce forward at the speed of business.

BF: What is a recent project relocation or expansion you’d like to tell us about?

Price: Currently, the City is working jointly with a major national developer to bring a 680-acre industrial site out of the ground with over nine million square feet of usable space, offering flexible buildings and parcel sizes.

This Maricopa Business Park will be fully rail-served by short-line rail, as the property sits adjacent to the Union Pacific mainline. The business park will also feature a state-of-the-art multimodal/transload facility accessible to tenants. The Kinder Morgan natural gas mainline also lies parallel to the site. This large-scale, highly connected development is a key focus in expanding Maricopa’s manufacturing growth and job opportunities.

Price: The quality of life value proposition is second to none, as Maricopa is a city that is welcoming, safe, and diverse. As a young city of 22 years, everything is brand new: New homes, new parks, new libraries, new buildings, new amenities, new roads, and so much more. Maricopa has been ranked as the #1 most diverse city in the state, the 5th safest out of 91 incorporated cities and towns and the 3rd best place to raise a family in the state.

BF: What does the future hold?

Price: The future of the City of Maricopa is bright, expansive, and one of high velocity growth — continuing to be one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Highly educated people from all over the nation continue to flock to the city as people and businesses settle in a location that is free from the hordes of natural disasters and weather catastrophes that plague much of the rest of the country. As such, there will be an ongoing multi-decade need for more industry, manufacturing, and commercial locations to power the region for an ever-increasing population.

Several residents on Maricopa’s East Side say they’ve spotted a mountain lion roaming subdivisions near the University of Arizona’s agricultural complex, raising concern among pet owners and prompting calls to animal control.

Multiple social media posts, home video footage and a community email confirm the animal has been in the area for at least two weeks and may be responsible for at least one fatal pet attack.

Stephanie Podszus, who lives in Tortosa near the entrance tower, said the mountain lion has returned several times, usually between 2 and 4 a.m., and allegedly attacked her neighbor’s dogs. “Please be careful letting your pets out at night,” she warned in a neighborhood group post.

Brittany Braun Peru, a resident of the eastside Sorrento neighborhood, also shared a post saying a friend’s two large dogs were attacked in the area. One of the dogs was reportedly injured so badly it had to be put down.

“If this mountain lion will take on two big dogs, your kids and pets are not safe,” she wrote.

Another nearby resident, Janisha Morin, said her sister shared video of the animal from Cartenga Lane, about a block from her home in Tortosa. “I know there’s been sightings of a mountain lion/cougar/bobcat (not sure which one it is) but KEEP THE FUR BABIES INSIDE!” she urged.

Tortosa resident Meghan Bremer echoed the warnings in an email to InMaricopa‘s news desk this morning.

“It’s definitely a mountain lion,” she wrote. “It has apparently already hurt one man’s dog bad enough she had to be put down. Someone shared a security video of it on their property. They say Animal Control is on the case, but perhaps this is something more for [the Arizona Game and Fish Department].”

As of Tuesday morning, no official statements had been issued by city or state wildlife authorities regarding the sightings. However, concerned residents have reported the animal to local animal control.

Mountain lions are known to roam desert and mountain regions but are rarely spotted near densely populated subdivisions. AZGFD advises residents who encounter a mountain lion to not run, make themselves appear larger and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact.

Residents in Tortosa and surrounding neighborhoods are urged to keep pets indoors at night and report sightings to authorities.

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A homicide investigation is underway after two teenagers were found dead east of the Valley earlier this week.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to a scene near SR 87 between Mesa and Payson in the early morning hours of Tuesday. Authorities arrived and found two bodies in the Mount Ord area, not far from the Gila County border.

MCSO identified one as 18-year-old Pandora Kjolsrud, but did not release the name of the 17-year-old due to age. However, sources and online records through the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner identify the second victim as Evan Clark.

While details remain limited at this time, deputies are investigating the two deaths as homicides.

“At this time, our focus is on conducting a comprehensive and meticulous investigation to ensure justice for the victims and their loved ones. We are coordinating closely with our law enforcement partners and ask for patience and respect for the investigative process as we work through the facts,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

Anyone with information is asked to contact MCSO at 602-876-TIPS.

Arizona’s Family has independently confirmed that both were students at Arcadia High School in east Phoenix. Arcadia Principal Dr. Janelle Dansky sent a letter to students and their families on Thursday morning, with a portion posted below:

“Dear Arcadia Community,

It is with great sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that two of our students have tragically passed away. Naturally, this death within our community impacts many of our staff, students and families. As details are limited, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time."

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