As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, organizations across the region are seeking innovative ways to support their communities.

In Lakewood Ranch, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is elevating its preparedness efforts with the launch of a groundbreaking initiative—The Drone Program.

David Esslinger, a member of the new CERT drone team, will pilot drones to aid in recovery efforts immediately following a hurricane.

“I think having a drone will really help us survey the area from above,” Esslinger explained to Bay News 9. “We can quickly assess damage and direct people to where help is needed most.”

The goal is to deploy drones after storms to evaluate the extent of property damage and identify residents in need of assistance.

For Esslinger, flying isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifelong passion.

“I’ve always loved flying,” he said. “As a kid, I built model rockets and remote-controlled planes.”

That passion led him to enlist in the Air Force in 1980 at the age of 19.

“I served when the F-16 was a brand-new aircraft,” he said. “As a weapons systems specialist, I maintained advanced weaponry and developed a deep appreciation for fast, high-tech flight systems.”

Now, Esslinger is using his expertise to serve his local community.

“With a drone in the air, we can quickly pinpoint areas in need and deploy assistance more efficiently,” he said.

Traditionally, CERT teams go door-to-door following storms, but drones will enhance their ability to assess hard-to-reach areas. The technology would have been particularly useful during last year’s storms, when the Summerfield community became difficult to access.

“The drone will help us respond much faster,” Esslinger added.

The Drone Program is set to launch at the start of hurricane season, providing a cutting-edge tool for disaster response in Lakewood Ranch.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: Your Observer)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news