Ocala drone shows approved, then company’s drones injure Orlando boy

File photo: Ocala is displayed by drones in the sky during Patriotic Skies: A Fourth of July Drone Experience at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Thousands of people gathered to watch 300 drones flown in the patriotic tribute by Sky Elements, who were recently seen in the current season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. The inaugural Fourth of July event replaced traditional fireworks with the silent drone light show and was accompanied by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra who performed inside the Reilly Arts Center and was broadcast outside. Patriotic Skies was delayed several hours due to inclement weather and lightning nearby. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Days after the city of Ocala approved a two-year contract with Sky Elements to continue the July 4^th drone show, the company faced technical malfunctions when drones fell from the sky, injuring a spectator at a holiday drone show in Orlando.

On Dec. 17, the city council approved a $300,000 contract to put on July 4^th drone shows for the next two years. The Marion County Commission plans to request $25,000 in funding from the Tourist Development Council to aid the cost.

On Dec. 21, a 7-year-old boy was severely injured after being struck by a drone at a holiday show at Lake Eola Park in Orlando. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

When asked if Ocala plans to honor its contract with Sky Elements, city spokesperson Gregory Davis said officials are monitoring the situation.

“For the city of Ocala, the safety of our citizens is always our top priority. We are closely working with our Risk Assessment team and monitoring the situation while gathering more information about what occurred,” Davis said. “As we learn more, we will take every necessary precaution to ensure our community’s and attendees’ safety at our events.”

The 7-year-old boy suffered an injury to his heart and lacerations on his face. He underwent heart surgery shortly after the incident, according to his family.

“He is currently staying in the hospital. I will be missing work at this time, and he will be celebrating Christmas in the ICU,” wrote his parents Jessica Lumedge and Adriana Edgerton on a GoFundMe page.

The incident occurred at the 6:30 p.m. show. The following 8 p.m. show was canceled.

“Our thoughts are with the young individual and his family affected by this unfortunate event,” said Davis.

The Holiday Drone Show was a permitted event through the FAA. It was in its third-year drawing crowds of approximately 25,000. This is the second year using the vendor, Sky Elements to operate the drones, according to the city of Orlando.

Ocala’s July 4^th show drew a crowd of about 12,000 people and consisted of 300 drones. The show lasted 10 minutes. The new contract allows for more drones and a longer show time.

“Feedback from the community and our stakeholders was positive; however, a common sentiment was the desire for a longer show duration,” said Amy Casaletto, special services division head for the Ocala Parks and Recreation Department.

Before the contract was approved, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano again said he would much rather have a fireworks show at Tuscawilla Park on July 4^th. Marciano said he has been in contact with a fireworks professional who believes a small fireworks show could work at that location, despite being in an urban area.

Councilmember Jim Hilty also opposed the contract, and voted no.

All drone arrays and light shows are subject to FAA regulation.

“Typically, these events require a waiver to the regulation that prohibits operating more than one drone at a time. We thoroughly review each drone show application to make sure the flying public and people on the ground will be safe,” according to the FAA.