New marine surveillance equipment will provide additional support for first responders conducting search and rescue operations in Atlantic Beach.
The City Commission authorized the purchase of an unmanned marine drone through a one-time $50,000 grant designed to benefit local communities and improve public safety.
The commission also unanimously approved the acquisition of an aerial drone for police investigations through a donation from the Ray and Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust. The donation is designated for the Atlantic Beach Police Department's drone program.
City Manager Kevin Hogencamp said the resolution provides for a three-year contract with Skydio Inc. for $44,020.27 and an unmanned marine system from Hydronalix Inc. for a one-time cost of $18,659.
The grant will help offset the combined purchase cost of $62,679.27. The remaining balance will come from the fiscal year 2025-26 Police Department budget.
Mayor Curtis Ford said he was contacted by representatives of the trust, which provides philanthropic opportunities for law enforcement initiatives.
"For most of us, it seems fairly simple. We know how drones can assist police and put them in a safer position when they are chasing someone through backyards and neighborhoods, but this has a particular application that I think is important," Ford said. "That is lifesaving at the beach."
Atlantic Beach police Lt. Chase Jamison said the equipment will strengthen the city's ability to assist in water-based rescues. He said police have responded to multiple incidents over the years involving swimmers in distress when lifeguards were off duty.
"Our police officers are certainly trained in a lot of things. Ocean rescue and water rescue is not one of them," he said. "Those are some of the most dangerous things that they do, so this is a very good tool to not only help ocean rescue staff, but also help law enforcement and JFRD staff at the beaches to be able to do those kinds of things and provide an additional tool for us to try and help people."
In the event of a water emergency, Atlantic Beach police will have access to the lifeguard station where the equipment will be stored. A 911 rescue call requires a joint response from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the city's Police Department, which will be responsible for deploying the unit.
"Imagine having a police officer who can help save a drowning victim and not have to wait for a lifeguard to come," Ford said. "That's the force multiplier right there."
