OCALA, Fla. — While cities throughout the Sunshine State prepare to watch their usual fireworks, one city is taking a different approach to the Independence Day tradition.  

The city of Ocala will inaugurate the first drone show at its 4th of July event on Thursday at Tuscawilla Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The 15-minute drone show will start at 9:30 p.m., with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and various country singers accompanying the light show. 

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Ocala is hosting its first drone show for its 4th of July event

  • The decision to turn away from fireworks comes as the city aims to better protect its environment and wildlife, and provide an innovative approach to entertainment

  • Over 10,000 people are expected to turn out to watch the event, including citizens from neighboring communities, a city spokesperson said

Ocala Public Information Officer Greg Davis said there are two main reasons that led them to host a drone show this year.

“One point is that a drone show is more inclusive and environmentally friendly," Davis said. "The debris left behind from the fireworks gets into our lakes and spreads throughout the wildlife. Additionally, the noise is startling to the animals and even some people.”

He also said the city wants to show citizens it’s finding innovative and safer ways to provide entertainment during festivities.

“We’re Ocala. We’re ever-growing. Every other city is doing fireworks. We’re doing a drone show. We’re trying to be innovative,” he said.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, he said. Residents of neighboring communities are even making their way down for the event to see the light show, which he said is expecting over 10,000 people.

But it’s a lengthy process. The city selected Sky Elements Drone Shows to produce the 4th of July show after putting out a bid in January. Sky Elements Account Executive Tyler Jack said they have been mapping out the show since the spring.

Jack said this isn’t the first time they’ve partnered with cities in Florida — like Jacksonville, Miami and Key West — and they’re excited to keep the momentum going.

“We do a lot of shows in the Florida area, so we kind of almost think of it as our second home, and oddly enough, we did just open up a new office in the Orlando area.”

According to Jack, these drone shows are becoming more popular because of their impressive array of animations, which he said are sure to keep viewers entertained.

“Maybe it’s an American flag that’s one of those animations. Maybe it’s an eagle flapping its wings, flying through the sky. Maybe it’s the city’s logo,” he said.

This week alone, there will be over 50 shows performed by Sky Elements’ drones throughout the nation.

The team deployed 18 employees and nearly 300 drones for Thursday night’s show in Ocala.