How much is one life worth?
For Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney, $676,000 in state funding is a bargain for the city’s beach rescue drone initiative. Other coastal municipalities, such as Ocean Ridge, already have one.
The Florida Legislature has yet to pass a new budget, but Carney is hoping the money will be allocated and survive Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen.
The “local funding initiative request” was proposed by State Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boca Raton.
Carney said the beach drone program would improve lifeguard effectiveness by helping locate distressed swimmers and boaters. The drones would be able to drop life rings or other flotation devices and provide real-time communication to guide people toward self-rescue — reducing risk to both victims and responders.
The proposal also includes creating “beach safety ambassadors,” civilian-trained drone experts who would run drone operations, lead visitor education, and provide on-the-ground support and training.
— John Pacenti
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