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Commission approves drone show and several event and parks contract increases amid questions over costs
Summary
Commission approved a July 29 drone show and increases to several vendor contracts for field lighting, park equipment, mulch and event security; commissioners probed funding sources and whether some recurring special events and security costs should be reviewed under recent state law changes.
The Delray Beach City Commission on May 5 approved a series of event permits and contract adjustments tied to parks, special events and capital projects.
Delray in the Sky drone show: The commission adopted Resolution 84-26 to authorize the Delray in the Sky drone show on July 29, 2026, including temporary closure of Swinton Avenue for safe viewing. Assistant City Manager Jeff Horris said the 2025 show drew large family crowds and that Swinton closures improve viewing and safety; staff estimated $10,000 in city staffing costs. Commissioners discussed site-safety lessons from last year's show including temporary flight restrictions that can be imposed by the Secret Service.
Musco field lighting and REP playground contract increases: Parks staff requested supplemental spending for Musco LED field lighting at Miller Park and the soccer complex (phased retrofit of two remaining fields) funded from general-obligation bond allocations for sports lighting; commissioners approved the increase after staff reported energy-cost reductions observed after prior field retrofits. Separately, the commission approved an increase under a piggyback contract with REP Services for benches, trash receptacles and park equipment; commissioners probed contract piggybacking and installation/mobilization fees.
Security, mulch and event operational spending: The commission approved additional spending for event security (noting Davis Cup and other large events as drivers), and an increase to blown-in mulch services to manage heavy use at Old School Square and other event sites. Commissioners asked staff to review whether certain large recurring events (e.g., St. Patrick's Day) should be re-scoped or removed under new state event rules to reduce security costs and legal exposure.
What's next: Staff will process purchases, coordinate with the municipal golf course management for the caddy program introduction and return to the commission with any required site-plan or waiver requests for industrial zoning matters approved during the meeting.
