The drones formed a horse during the Patriotic Skies show at Tuscawilla Park.
The drones formed a horse during the Patriotic Skies show at Tuscawilla Park. (Staff photo)

After spending $71,000 for this year’s drone show during its inaugural Fourth of July celebration, the city of Ocala will look to spend $300,000 over the next two years for a longer version of the show that will feature more drones.

The two-year contract renewal with Sky Elements, LLC will come up for a vote during the Ocala City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 15.

According to the contract, the company is charged with creating “a visually stunning and technologically advanced drone show that captivates and entertains the community,” and celebrates the holiday with a “memorable and safe aerial display that aligns with the patriotic theme of the event.”

Ocala drone show during Patriotic Skies on July 4, 2024. (Photo: City of Ocala)
Ocala drone show during Patriotic Skies on July 4, 2024. (Photo: City of Ocala)

According to city records, the contract also calls for enhancements to the original agreement, including the use of “different drones with extended battery life to ensure a show duration of no less than 15 minutes but not exceeding 18 minutes.”

During this year’s event, which the city estimates was attended by 12,000 individuals, Ocala-News.com provided an exclusive live stream of the drone show. That drone show cost the city approximately $71,415.

In total, Ocala-News.com recorded approximately nine and a half minutes of video.

In addition to an increase in the length of time of the show, the renewal contract also calls for an increase in the number of drones to be used in the show, from 300 to 600.

In the days after the drone show, several readers wrote in to Ocala-News.com to share their opinions about the event. Many of the opinions reflected a desire to see improvements to the show.

A city staff report suggests the improvements will allow for “more intricate details in the images and a broader perspective for viewing.”

Flags fill the sky during Patriotic Skies
Flags fill the sky during Patriotic Skies

The new two-year contract would extend the city’s relationship with Sky Elements, LLC through February 8, 2027.

The proposed drone shows in 2025 and 2026 would take place at Tuscawilla Park, where the inaugural show took place over the summer.

The Ocala City Council regularly meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue).