Lake Nona Building to Host OPD Emergency Drone Stations
What Is Happening at Lake Nona Town Center?
Orlando City Council approved a license agreement allowing an office building near Lake Nona Town Center to host two rooftop drone docking stations for the Orlando Police Department’s Drone as First Responder program. The building’s owner, LNT Office V, LLC, will accommodate the installation as part of the department’s ongoing expansion of automated emergency response technology across the city.
What Is the Drone as First Responder Program?
OPD’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program launched citywide on June 17, 2026, deploying 11 Skydio X10 drones from nine rooftop docking stations following City Council’s approval of a $6.83 million contract amendment with Axon Enterprises back in February. The drones are integrated with OPD’s Crime Center systems, working directly with information from incoming 911 calls along with police body and car camera footage. They’re reserved specifically for emergency situations — life-threatening calls, major property damage, or other time-sensitive incidents — and can launch in under 20 seconds, reaching speeds up to 40 mph at an altitude of 200 feet.
How Fast Do These Drones Actually Respond?
During a seven-week pilot program at OPD headquarters, a single drone arrived on scene before patrol officers on 33% of calls and delivered useful information on 97% of them, prompting the city to move forward with the full 11-drone rollout. The department’s goal is a response time of under three minutes on qualifying calls, giving officers real-time situational awareness before they even arrive. Navigation is handled through a mix of AI, radar, and GPS, and the drones are built to operate in inclement weather.
How Will the Lake Nona Station Work?
Under the license agreement, OPD will cover installation and maintenance of the two docking stations, including electrical and communications systems, while the City of Orlando provides liability coverage. Power will be drawn from the building’s existing electrical system, though the property owner would qualify for reimbursement if utility costs increase significantly as a result. OPD has not released a list of exact docking locations citywide for security reasons, but has confirmed the program allows officers to get real-time visibility on any scene across each of Orlando’s districts within seconds.
Is Orlando the Only Central Florida City Doing This?
St. Cloud became the first Central Florida city to launch a DFR program back in December 2025, though Orlando’s rollout is substantially larger — 11 drones across nine sites, compared to St. Cloud’s smaller initial deployment. Tampa and Miami have also adopted similar drone-based emergency response systems, placing Orlando among a growing number of major Florida cities investing in this kind of technology.
Browse Other Communities
Your Local Expert
Contact Patrick Today
Ready to buy or sell in Central Florida? With 18+ years of experience and 400+ homes sold, I am here to guide you every step of the way. Let's talk about your real estate goals.
