Flagler Beach Says Leave Drones & Sky Lanterns Home During Fireworks Show

Flagler Beach, FL-Flagler Beach Police Chief Captain Matt Doughney says the city is asking the public not to fly drones or release floating fire lanterns on July 4th as law enforcement will be flying a helicopter during the holiday fireworks event. Doughney says last year was the first time that the fire lanterns and drones became a dangerous issue. He estimates about 200 flaming sky lanterns were released after the fireworks show. He says the Flagler County FireFlight chopper will be helping with traffic control during July 4th fireworks and he's concerned about the pilot's safety if the helicopter has to dodge multiple drones and lanterns in the flight path. The sky lanterns have become such a concern that a local business that was selling the lanterns has now pulled them from store shelves until after the holiday. Doughney says the helicopter is needed as traffic and crowd control is a real issue on July 4th in Flagler Beach when the town of 4,500 swells to about 20,000 for the event. 2016 Southern Stone Communications Copyright