Clearwater Police Use Drone for Spring Break

0:00This is Corey, with Tampa Bay News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Spring breakers are packing Clearwater Beach by the tens of thousands, and Clearwater Police are turning to a high-tech drone to cut through the seasonal traffic jams. The department launched a drone as first responder pilot program for all of March, using the device as an overhead lookout during their busiest weeks. This setup gives officers on the ground quick, live video fees to spot issues amid the crowds. Officials expect up to 50,000 cars crossing the memorial causeway on peak days, easily carrying 100,000 beachgoers or more. The drone helps with smart resource use too. Supervisors can assess calls from above, like checking if a scene needs backup or if someone is armed, then send units home if it's not serious. That saves time and keeps focus where it counts. Police already have simpler drones for mapping crime scenes after the fact, but this one streams live video. It runs on a 30-minute battery and covers up to two and a half miles, launched only when

1:04needed. At months end, the team will review how well it worked and decide on making it a regular tool. The city might split costs with the fire department to keep it going long-term. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.