RJLdrone

10/12/2026

Lifesaving Blood Delivered by Drone!

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and Tampa General Hospital are partnering with Sarasota-based Archer First Response Systems and OneBlood to deliver whole blood directly to emergency scenes by drone. With average delivery times under three minutes, paramedics can begin lifesaving transfusions before patients reach the hospital. The program will initially cover 70 square miles, operating from two fire stations. Building on similar efforts in Manatee County, where drones are delivering AEDs and Narcan, this program highlights the expanding role of drones in emergency response and their potential to save lives when every second counts!

01/09/2026

At approximately 9:28 a.m., North Port Fire Rescue responded to 8640 Pickwick Road for a reported structure fire.

NPFR Rescue 80 arrived first due, followed by Truck 82, with an initial size-up of a single-story residence with smoke showing. Fire was seen through one of the windows, and a working fire was transmitted.

Search crews removed a dog and rabbit from the residence.

Truck 82 removed ceiling to check for extension to the attic, which was negative. The fire was extinguished in approximately 10 minutes.

One occupant was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

NPPD took possession of the animals and provided traffic control.

(Radio recordings are presented in chronological order and edited to remove periods of silence; content is not altered.)

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07/22/2025

At approximately 11:48 a.m., a North Port Police officer reported a fire in the area of W. Price Blvd. and N. Toledo Blade Blvd. Responding units located a vehicle fully engulfed in flames on a side street behind Christian Brothers Automotive.

With NPFR Station 84 just down the street, fire crews arrived quickly and began suppression efforts. During the operation, the vehicle’s fuel tank ruptured, causing the fire to reignite underneath the vehicle. Firefighters were able to bring the fire back under control and fully extinguish it.

Crews cleared the scene within an hour, while North Port Police remained on site awaiting a tow truck. No injuries were reported.

(Radio recordings are presented in chronological order and edited to remove periods of silence; content is not altered.)

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07/01/2025

As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, don’t forget — fireworks can be terrifying for pets! 🐶🐱

Here are a few tips to keep your furry friends safe and calm:
🔹 Keep them indoors with windows closed
🔹 Create a quiet space with their favorite toys or blanket
🔹 Make sure their collar and ID tags are on, just in case
🔹 Use caution if bringing pets to a fireworks display

Let’s make this holiday fun and safe for everyone — including our four-legged family members. ❤️🇺🇸

If your pet happens to get out, please reach out *immediately* — we’ll do everything we can to help locate and reunite them with you!

05/21/2025

On May 20, 2025, at approximately 6:05 PM, a tree/branch fell onto nearby power lines, causing them to fall to the ground and ignite the brush in the lots adjacent to 2419 Kabbaby Street, North Port, FL.

North Port Fire Rescue responded quickly with Engine 83, Tanker 83, and Engine 81 on scene. The North Port Police Department also responded to assist with traffic control and securing the area.

Fire crews worked efficiently to quickly contain and extinguish the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.

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04/30/2025

Great news — Ace was found last night! After missing for 3 days, a bicyclist spotted him not far from the drone search area. His family got to him quickly, and he’s now heading to the vet to get checked out. Hoping he’s back on his paws soon! 🐾

04/16/2025

At approximately 3:15 PM, North Port Fire Rescue was dispatched to a vehicle fire on I-75 northbound near mile marker 172. Upon arrival, crews found a pickup truck fully involved on the right shoulder, with flames spreading to the adjacent grass. The fire rapidly extended eastward into nearby brush south of a power substation. Windy conditions continued to drive the fire southeast towards DeSoto and Charlotte counties.

To help manage the incident, Florida Highway Patrol and FDOT assisted with traffic control. Northbound traffic on I-75 was reduced to a single lane along the left shoulder. Additionally, the on-ramp at Exit 170 (Kings Highway) was closed to help limit the flow of vehicles onto the interstate.

Multiple agencies responded, including North Port Fire Rescue, Charlotte County Fire EMS, DeSoto Fire Rescue, and the Florida Forest Service. Bulldozers were deployed to cut fire lines and help contain the blaze. North Port established incident command early on and utilized drones for aerial reconnaissance and to direct ground operations. Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Air 2 conducted water drops but later suspended operations due to heavy smoke and the presence of power lines.

The fire was brought under control shortly after 6:00 PM.

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04/08/2025

Do you or someone you know have a pet? If this family member were to go missing, time is of the essence in locating them!

Drones play an essential role in searching for a missing pet. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera and spotlight, RJLdrone is ready to respond!

Drones have unique advantages compared to other lost pet search methods. They do not become tired, they can cover large areas of varying terrain quickly and easily, and they are not alarming to pets which could cause them to flee further when flying at an appropriate altitude.

Rob is an FAA Part 107 certified and insured pilot, as well as a first responder with experience in emergency incident drone operations. He is also a member of the Lost Pet Search and Rescue Drone Association (LPSARDA), a national network of pilots specializing in locating lost pets.

Please feel free to reach out for more information!

03/12/2025

The alligators are out soaking up the sunshine!

02/26/2025

Do you or someone you know have a pet? If this family member were to go missing, time is of the essence in locating them!

Drones play an essential role in searching for a missing pet. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera and spotlight, RJLdrone is ready to respond!

Drones have unique advantages compared to other lost pet search methods. They do not become tired, they can cover large areas of varying terrain quickly and easily, and they are not alarming to pets which could cause them to flee further when flying at an appropriate altitude.

Rob is an FAA Part 107 certified and insured pilot, as well as a first responder with experience in emergency incident drone operations. He is also a member of the Lost Pet Search and Rescue Drone Association (LPSARDA), a national network of pilots specializing in locating lost pets.

Please feel free to reach out for more information!

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