Winter Park commissioners

Winter Park crafting ordinance that could set ban in certain areas

could weigh an ordinance regulating the use of drones in the city.

WINTER PARK — As Sally Flynn got out of her swimming pool a few weeks back, she heard a buzz high above her backyard.

Overhead, a drone with a camera affixed to it soared over her property on Lake Virginia in Winter Park.

“It startled me, it could definitely see my pool … it just gave me a weird feeling,” said Flynn, 80. “You do feel an invasion of privacy — these things have cameras.”

City commissioners are considering an ordinance that could ban such flights in Winter Park. Last week, city attorney Kurt Ardaman circulated a draft of an ordinance that would govern where drones could be flown within city limits. The document could still be tweaked before commissioners formally consider it in a public meeting. A city spokesman said the ordinance could come before commissioners in April.

In a previous city commission meeting, Ardaman said Winter Park would “be about as aggressive as a city can be,” when drafting its drone ordinance. Earlier this year, Orlando barred drones from flying within 500 feet of city parks, buildings, theme parks, schools or stadiums.

In its current state, the Winter Park draft bans drones from flying over private property and public gatherings of at least 25 people. If enacted, violators could face up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail for the misdemeanor offense, it states.

The Orlando City Council also bans flights over gatherings of more than 1,000 people. Ardaman said Pinellas County, Miami and Chicago also have enacted similar rules.

Winter Park’s draft prevents a drone from flying within 25 feet of a gathering, and drone pilots also would be required to obtain a liability insurance policy of at least $100,000 for personal injury or death, as well as $50,000 for property damage, the drafted document states.

The draft ordinance states drones must weigh less than 10 pounds and cannot be used as weapons.

City officials say it also has measures to comply with state and federal law, as well as exemptions for drone use by law enforcement or by a professional licensed by the state.

Officials have discussed adopting drone rules since at least May, city minutes show.

Commissioner Carolyn Cooper said she’s heard from at least three residents with drone complaints, while Commissioner Greg Seidel said his own wife had a close encounter.

Valerie Seidel was floating on a paddle board on Lake Virginia when a drone swooped in close to her. She feared it photographed her before she was able to shoo it away, he said.

Despite the limitations the ordinance would create, Ardaman said it still allows plenty of spaces for enthusiasts to explore.

“There are many places within the city that drones can be flown

Under the ordinance, drones could be flown in city parks and other public areas, so long as they don’t encroach upon a group of people.

without violating the draft ordinance,” he said in an email.

Under the ordinance, drones could be flown in city parks and other public areas, so long as the aircraft doesn’t encroach upon a group of people.

The city attorney said before commissioners formally consider the drone ordinance, he would send it to the FAA’s regional counsel to ensure it’s in compliance with federal law.

Under FAA regulations, drones must be registered and cannot fly over groups.

Hannibal Square resident Maria Bryant was happy to hear the city is considering keeping drones from flying near her home on Virginia Avenue.

She’s reported multiple incidents to the Winter Park Police Department of an unmanned aircraft flying around her property.

The drone spooked her pit bull, Queenie, who would start barking at the buzzing drone in the dead of night.

“There are definitely drone issues here,” Bryant said.