Clearwater Launches Drone Program To Boost Spring Break Beach Safety and Response Times

Clearwater Police started testing a Drone as First Responder program this March. Officers need help getting through spring break crowds faster. A drone reaches calls in 45 seconds. Squad cars take 10 to 15 minutes because traffic clogs the roads.

Spring break packs up to 50,000 cars across Memorial Causeway bridge on peak days, traffic studies show. That could mean 100,000 people or more hit the sand, according to Rob Shaw, department spokesperson.

"Traffic is a major problem. Getting to and from the beach or anywhere on the beach, you know, it could take you several minutes to get from one just a couple blocks," Shaw said, according to Fox 13 News. "We can have an eye on something within 45 seconds that it could take 10 minutes or 15 minutes to even get to."

The machine gives live updates for missing swimmers, lost kids, and fights. Chief Eric Gandy said the drone can spot weapons at a scene before patrol units show up.

"A lot of times, people will try and expedite our response by inserting a weapon into a call," Gandy said,according to WTSP.com. "They'll call 911, and say there's a fight and someone's got a gun. We can get there with a drone and see if they truly have a gun or not."

Officers have sent the drone up about a dozen times since early March. One caller reported a shirtless man running through backyards. The drone spotted him and told officers where he was while fences blocked what patrol cars could see from the street.

Supervisors can also cancel backup units if the drone confirms no crisis exists. Research shows agencies across the country have cut resources by 20% to 30% of calls once drones take flight.

The Skydio drone flies for 30 minutes on each battery. It covers 2.5 miles, which blankets the beach area. Fire and Rescue can use it to find swimmers in trouble and point lifeguards to them.

Officials will review the program when March ends. They'll decide if the drone stays. The city might split costs with the fire department to keep the machine flying long-term.