OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala’s sky will be illuminated with a dazzling drone show this year instead of the traditional fireworks. That is as long as the weather cooperates.

The city is hosting “Patriotic Skies: A Fourth of July Drone Experience” starting at 5 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park which is located at 800 NE Sanchez Ave.

More than 300 drones outfitted with LED lights will paint the sky in a performance that will paint the sky with patriotic images.

We have everything you need to know to enjoy the event.

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WEATHER FORECAST

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for this 4th of July through 6 p.m. While the high temp is expected to be 93 degrees, the NWS says with heat index values it could feel as hot as 111. Meteorologists say showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly after 3 p.m. and before 9 p.m.

“We are currently monitoring the weather conditions and will adjust the drone event as needed,” said Ashley Dobbs, Ocala’s marketing and communications coordinator. “Protocols are in place to ensure the event can safely continue, barring any extreme weather events.”

Dobbs said the city will make announcements to the show schedule through their social media channels including its Facebook page to keep visitors informed on the status of the show, including any potential rain delays.

ROAD CLOSURES

In order to prepare for the event, the city will closing the following roads starting at 2 p.m. on Thursday:

  • NE Watula Ave. from Fifth St. to NE Ninth St.
  • NE Sanchez Ave. from Fourth St. to the Reilly Arts Center Parking Lot
  • NE Eighth Ave. from NE Fifth St. to Ninth St.

The city says these closures will facilitate the smooth operation of the event.

PARKING & SHUTTLES

Parking is free for the event. The city is encouraging guests to use the free shuttle rides from one of four parking lots.

  • The first shuttle will pick up guests at the Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King St, will drop off at the intersection of NE 8th Ave and NE 4th St. This shuttle will run approximately every 40 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
  • The second shuttle will pick up guests at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, will drop off at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St. This shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
  • The third shuttle will pick up guests at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., will drop off at the intersection of NE 8th Ave and NE 4th St. This shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
  • The fourth shuttle will pick up guests at the Marion County Parking Facility, 346 NW 2nd St, will drop off at Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE 9th St. This shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes between 4 and 11 p.m.
Courtesy: City of Ocala

EVENT TIMELINE

Courtesy: City of Ocala