Debate grows on Fort Myers Beach for drone and laser show as alternative to fireworks on holidays

Every Fourth of July, hundreds of people pack Fort Myers Beach to watch fireworks burst over the water.

But what if the family tradition was replaced by drones lighting up the night sky instead?

That's an idea some members of Fort Myers Beach's Marine and Environmental Resources Task Force plan to discuss during a meeting Wednesday. Supporters of drone and laser shows say the technology could provide an entertaining alternative with less noise and less impact on the environment.

"When we have an opportunity to put as dazzling a show up with other light shows and effects with drones that has minimal to no effect on our ecosystem, I think it's the right thing to do," said task force member Ranger Rob Howell.

But some don't think holidays would be the same.

For visitors like Sherry Auld, fireworks aren't just entertainment; they're part of the memories families make together every Fourth of July.

"Just the nostalgia that everyone's seen it from when they were a little kid," Auld said. "And just the magic of it bursting in the air and all the oohs and ahhs."

Others enjoy the synchronized music drone shows bring, and believe they're safer.

"You can do a lot more with drone shows," said Patricia Lehmann, who was visiting from Chicago. "I feel like you can be a little bit more creative, more than fireworks can."

The debate comes just weeks after the nonprofit What's Up FMB helped rally the community to raise thousands of dollars to save this year's Fourth of July fireworks display after the event was canceled.

Now, the group is exploring the idea of a drone light show for New Year's Eve. Organizers say they want to compare attendance and community interest before deciding whether drone shows should play a larger role in future celebrations.

For now, this year's fireworks are still set to light up the sky over Fort Myers Beach on Independence Day.