JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Action News Jax is the only local station in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia granted Federal Aviation Administration approval to fly a drone as part of our news coverage.
So what does this mean for you, the viewer? The Action News Jax Skyvision drone will help expand our news and weather coverage, and go in-depth on stories that you care about, like the search for toddler Lonzie Barton -- a search that continues.
When Lonzie disappeared, the entire community took action. On the ground, law enforcement, local families and perfect strangers joined together in the search for the toddler.
Action News Jax brought in a helicopter from our sister station in Orlando to give search teams another eye in the sky.
Now, our news coverage soars to new heights. With government approval, we can now give you a bird's-eye view of the search area from above, from wooded areas to retention ponds, even the culverts that line busy area roads.
Just two days ago, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office divers trained in the Lonzie Barton search area in small pond just feet from a busy Southside Boulevard.
Every time Skyvision takes off, a licensed pilot is at the controls. Our drone will fly over public property and away from local airports, military bases and areas where there are large crowds.
In breaking news situations, like a missing child, we will take to the air, covering news from every angle.
In the coming days and weeks, you'll see more drone video in our news coverage. Visit the Action News Jax Skyvision page to learn more about how or when we fly or the FAA regulations we're helping to establish.