Walmart requests drone delivery service in Seminole County

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Drone delivery service could soon be coming to people living in some parts of Seminole County.

On Wednesday, the county’s Development Review Committee will discuss an application for a drone delivery operation at a Walmart near the intersection of State Road 426 and Deep Lake Road.

According to the project coordinator, the plans include the installation of a drone nest to support the operation, storage, and charging of several drones.

The area will also be fully enclosed with a security fence to ensure safety and restricted access for last-mile delivery operations.

Cody Herring lives near the Walmart location and was eager for the possibilities of drone deliveries.

“Let’s just give it a chance and see where it goes,” Herrings said. “You’re packing for a trip, and you need to hurry up; the convenience factor will play a role in it.”

The proposal comes a few months after Clermont approved zoning changes to allow Walmart to launch a drone hub, and city leaders in Orlando demonstrated how deliveries would happen.

The drones, which weigh about 11 pounds and can carry up to 2 pounds, are designed for small, everyday items, and it can deliver them right to your front door in about 30 minutes.

The drones can fly up to 60 mph, cruising 150 feet above the ground before dropping packages safely at customers’ feet.

The Seminole County Development Review Committee is expected to decide on the drone delivery application during a meeting on Wednesday at 9 a.m.