A fully rigged drone equipped with a GoPro camera flies over Ocean City in a 2014 demonstration.
The following is Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian’s weekly update to citizens posted on Friday, Oct. 23.
Dear Friends,
Last night, City Council introduced an ordinance on first reading that would ban the use of drones in the city, and specifically within five miles of our airport. My main concern and the point of bringing this ordinance forward is because the regulation of drones by the federal or state government has yet to catch up with the technology. Although there are potential good uses for drones, I do not feel they outweigh the unreasonable and unacceptable threats to individual privacy and safety. Due to the lack of regulation, I feel it is important for Ocean City to step forward and protect the rights of all of our residents, guests and businesses by putting these safeguards in place.
We have two important events next week. The Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Welcome Night on Wednesday, October 28th beginning at 6:00 PM at the Music Pier. This is a great chance to meet and interact with local businesses and community groups. On Thursday, October 29th the Exchange Club will hold the annual Halloween Parade from 6th to 11th Street on Asbury Avenue beginning at 7:15 PM. This year, the Fire Department will finish the parade and hand out candy to children along the parade route. I hope everyone comes out to enjoy both events.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
