Pompano Beach Cancels Drone Show Over FAA Restrictions

The city's fifth annual drone show, expected to draw about 80,000 people, was called off after the FAA denied a flight exception request.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Air Travel

Screen-print poster illustration of a calm teal sea at dusk, with a cluster of small drone-like points beneath a large flat circle outline over the horizon. — Pompano Beach canceled its fifth annual drone show, expected to draw about 80,000 people, after the FAA denied an exception to temporary flight restrictions tied to President Trump's visit to Palm Beach County. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pompano Beach canceled its Drone Show Extravaganza 2026 on Saturday after the FAA imposed 30-mile temporary flight restrictions tied to President Trump's flight into Palm Beach County. The city sent notice just before 1 p.m., and some attendees showed up Saturday night unaware the event had been canceled.

Why it matters

The cancellation shows how federal flight restrictions tied to a presidential visit can override local event plans on short notice. For residents and visitors planning around the event, it leaves uncertainty about whether the show will return this year.

The event was expected to draw about 80,000 people within a 30-mile FAA restriction zone. The city has not confirmed whether a rescheduled date is possible.

The players

Firefly Drone Shows

A drone light show company that worked with the city and submitted the FAA exception request for the event.

Federal Aviation Administration

The federal agency that imposed the temporary flight restrictions and denied the exception request for the Pompano Beach event.

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, whose flight into Palm Beach County triggered the FAA temporary flight restrictions.

The details

Firefly Drone Shows received the FAA notice Friday and, with the city manager, submitted an exception form that the FAA denied. The city commission had already voted to remove the event's funding from this year's budget, though community partners including Fishing Village businesses and Firefly provided support to keep it going.

Late September: City staff scheduled the event despite budget removal.
Sept. 29: City announced community partner support.
Friday: FAA notice received and exception form submitted.
Saturday, just before 1 p.m.: City announced the cancellation.
Saturday, 7 p.m.: Scheduled time for the drone light show.

Seasonal Patterns

Temporary flight restrictions for presidential travel have repeatedly disrupted large public events in South Florida, a pattern that complicates planning for outdoor gatherings near the president's route.

Residents and visitors who planned to attend should monitor city announcements for any rescheduled date. Event-goers should expect that federal flight restrictions can cancel outdoor shows on short notice.

The takeaway

Event plans that depend on airspace can change quickly when federal restrictions apply, so checking for official cancellation notices before attending is a practical step.