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Fort Lauderdale staff weigh drone shows for downtown countdown while keeping beach fireworks for July 4
Summary
City parks staff presented cost and operational options for replacing or supplementing some fireworks with drone shows. Commissioners signaled support for keeping beach fireworks on July 4 and piloting drones for the downtown New Year’s countdown; staff will present formal options in January.
Deputy Director Amy Jean Baptiste presented preliminary options for replacing or pairing city fireworks with drone shows as part of the 2026 events calendar, and asked commissioners for feedback before a formal January presentation.
Baptiste said the city has produced drone shows before but not off the beach or paired with July 4 events. Staff provided rough cost figures: "For 400 drones at $200 a drone, we're talking between $80,000," and estimated a fireworks barge/tug arrangement at about $140,000. Rental is the expected procurement model: "We're renting" the drone service rather than buying equipment.
Commissioners and public commenters offered mixed views. Several speakers called drone shows "amazing" and favored them for downtown, while others urged preserving traditional fireworks for July 4 as part of national tradition and spectator expectations. Participants raised environmental and animal-welfare concerns, potential audience confusion if two formats run simultaneously, and the need for clearer public communication.
Baptiste said staff will bring a formal set of options to commissioners in January, including cost comparisons and public-feedback proposals such as a post-event survey. No formal motion or binding direction was taken at this meeting.
Next steps: staff will prepare a presentation in January 2026 outlining options (fireworks only, drone only, or combined formats), expected costs and procurement approach, and recommended public outreach measures.
