Drone technology has only advanced in recent years. The unmanned aerial systems can now use artificial intelligence to help with data processing and decision making. 

These improvements will be at the heart of St. Petersburg College’s first Drone Expo –  scheduled for Friday (Feb. 20) from 12 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bay Pines STEM Center. 

Guests will be able to watch over-water and land flight demonstrations and speak with industry leaders. Additionally, they can learn all about drone safety and emerging technologies. 

Visitors shouldn’t expect to fly the drones themselves though. This requires a special pilot license from the Federal Aviation Administration. 

The event is an “offshoot” of the institution’s emerging technology initiative, said SPC economics professor Brenda Thompson, who previously was a workforce education coordinator for the program. 

SPC began offering drone training courses in 2016 as part of its Workforce, Community & Corporate Partnerships division. 

The institution received an Economic Development Agency Talent Challenge Program grant to help fund classes revolving around drones, artificial intelligence, other emerging technologies and manufacturing in 2023. 

These include courses that teach people how to fly drones and utilize geographic information system (GIS) mapping software. According to the United States Geological Survey, the technology “analyzes and displays geographically referenced information. It uses data that is attached to a unique location.” 

While the grant ended last year, the college is currently expanding the program. This is a way to educate people more about the industry, she explained. 

One of the highlights of the event will be an activity from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute. Organization representatives will use drones to look for manatees at the Bay Pines STEM Center’s water-adjacent property. There will be fake manatees placed in the lake as well for guests to spot. 

“We’re really lucky to have an excellent location,” Thompson said. “Usually, a challenge for organizing an event like this would be finding a location for it because you have to be concerned about what schools are in the area as well as airports.” 

Visitors can also learn about geospatial mapping. Jane Thompson, a SPC alum and owner of GISJane, will discuss floodplain management and how drones are integrated into GIS mapping. 

“What we are trying to showcase is that drones are in the community and are an emerging technology,” Brenda explained. “If people want to explore this opportunity as a job in the future, they can.”

These tools are being implemented in a variety of fields, she added. The industry is “evolving” and could be an avenue for individuals who want to change careers. 

For example, Amazon is currently using drone systems to deliver packages as part of its Prime Air service. 

To RSVP, email Thompson.BrendaJ@SPCollege.edu or call SPC’s Workforce division at 727-341-4445.