Drones

From drones to body cameras, artificial intelligence is changing how police departments are investigating crimes and train officers. While law enforcement leaders call it efficient and lifesaving, questions remain about bias, transparency and how far the technology will go.That shift is already underway in Southwest Florida, where police departments are beginning to rely on artificial intelligence in daily operations.

For the fourth year, Saildrone and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are sailing a fleet of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) into hurricanes to better understand how these dangerous storms form, track, and intensify.The mission officially started this week with 12 vehicles stationed in six operational areas identified by NOAA as having a high probability of intercepting a storm.

Saildrone and NOAA released footage on Monday from Hurricane Tammy, captured near the western and southern eyewall of the storm.

A new state law that prohibited use of drones made in China and several other specific countries by state and local agencies forced some of those departments to submit budget requests of up to $150,000 for new drones.

Drone-delivered meals to Sanibel Island residents will be available Saturday through Monday this week via a partnership with several companies including Zing Drones of St. Petersburg, A2Z Drones of Los Angeles, Skyway drone service and World Central Kitchens.

For the second year, NOAA and Saildrone are hurricane chasing with uncrewed wind-powered vehicles.

Wednesday, Aug. 10 will mark the maiden voyage of a new large-scale drone that Florida Power & Light plans to use to better assess damage and restore power more quickly after a hurricane.

As Florida approaches what is typically the most active portion of the Atlantic storm season, Florida Power & Light is planning a flight of its new $1.2 million fixed-wing drone called FPLAir One. We’ll learn more about the new drone and other technology innovations the company uses to help customers before, during and after a hurricane.

Police could use drones to survey crowds of 50 or more people under a bill advancing through the legislature. The measure is raising privacy concerns from a watchdog group.

Rainy season in South Florida means it's also mosquito season. And now there's a new weapon being added to the arsenal against the insects in the...