More than fireworks: Where to watch drone light shows in Miami on the Fourth of July
With the Fourth of July coming up, fireworks will light up the sky all over South Florida. But there’s another show that’ll catch your attention on Independence Day: drone light shows.
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Here’s what to know about the artificial aerial performers:
What are drone shows?
Hundreds of illuminated drones fly in formation to produce visuals in the sky. The synchronized movement is hypnotizing as they form designs, 3D shapes and short phrases.
One drone show company, Sky Elements, partnered with Key West in March 2022 to design a 10-minute custom drone light show as part of the week-long celebration of the city’s 200-year anniversary.
And if you think you’ll miss the fireworks, some drone shows replicate the bursts of the familiar shapes and patterns.
Where can I see drones on the Fourth in South Florida?
Here’s a list of places in South Florida that will feature drone shows for the Fourth of July. Most drone shows are in addition to the fireworks.
Aventura: Fireworks and a drone light show will illuminate the sky over Country Club Drive at 9 p.m.
Coconut Grove: The celebration is in Peacock Park at 7 p.m. and the drone show starts later in the night.
North Beach: After a day full of activities, the fireworks and drones will begin at 9 p.m. at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
Surfside: Following the day’s activities, the fireworks and drones will begin at 9 p.m. at the city’s Community Center.
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Are drones better for the environment?
Fireworks release pollutants into the atmosphere on July 4 and even into the next day. A 2015 study from an atmospheric environment journal found that Independence Day fireworks introduce 42% more pollutants into the air than what is released on a normal day.
The chemicals released by fireworks worsen air quality, too, which poses a health risk, particularly to children and people with breathing conditions such as asthma, according to a study by the National Institute of Health.
Drones don’t produce chemical emissions and can be recharged and reused, minimizing their impact on the environment and local ecosystems. They also significantly reduce noise pollution.
Fireworks are loud and scare not only your dog, but wildlife, too. While drone show performances feature music, they won’t cause your dog to yip and hide under the bed or disrupt the birds in the trees.
This story was originally published July 3, 2023 at 1:28 PM.
