City to get grant to help fund July 4th drone show

A digital rendering of what the drone show would look like at Tuscawilla Park [Courtesy of Sky Elements].

The city of Ocala is getting some help from the county’s Tourist Development Council to put on this year’s first-ever Fourth of July drone show at Tuscawilla Park.

A grant of $20,000 is going to be accepted by the city in May to fund the innovative show that is expected to dazzle. The city contracted Sky Elements Drone Shows to put on the show, which will in total cost $71,415.

The city decided in February to host a patriotic Fourth of July drone show instead of a traditional fireworks show. The day’s celebrations at the park will include family-friendly activities, food trucks, live entertainment and a nighttime grand finale of the drone show.

The show will last a duration of about 15 minutes and display from 10 to 12 animations created by 300 drones in the sky.

Ocala Special Services Division Head Amy Casaletto said in February that the team hopes to have horse-related imagery included in the show to pay tribute to Ocala’s heritage.

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the city has not yet accepted the grant.