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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAt the meeting, there was a lot of discussion and questions about the hub from councilors who have never had to vote on anything like this before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proposal by Wing LLC for the Walmart Supercenter on Johns Lake Road, would include an eight-foot fence to secure the area in two dedicated parts of the parking lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One area would be where the goods would be auto loaded, the second is where the drones will be stored and utilized ready for use. Wing LLC also applied for permission to store a shipping container on the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eric Vaughan, a spokesman for Wing LLC, was present at the council meeting to answer the many questions concerning the council, including how invasive the drones would be or if they would be allowed to fly over busy roads in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vaughan told the council that he had no idea if the drones would be allowed by the federal government to cross the busy highways such as Highway 27, which runs through the middle of Clermont, or Highway 50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also gave an idea as to how the drones would work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe drones would carry only 2.4 pounds of cargo and would not land but lower merchandise by cable 25 feet off the ground,\u201d said Vaughan. \u201cThe cameras would not have high-resolution cameras that could spy on sunbathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCustomers, who must live within a six-mile radius of Walmart, will use an app to designate where on the property they want their goods.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vaughan said that drone technology is getting better every year. He claimed that by mid-summer 2026, drones might be able to deliver double the payload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This would not be Walmart\u2019s first superstore using drones. The company is already using drones in Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clermont Councilman Bryan Bain was the sole council member who voted against the proposal because he was concerned about the eight feet chain link fence and the shipping container blighting the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll you are missing is barbed wire fence and then it will look more like a prison!\u201d Bain told the Clermont Sun. \u201cI just wasn\u2019t comfortable with passing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI know that Walmart is more screened from the road so it won\u2019t be as much of an eyesore, but let\u2019s be honest, if the drones work, the likes of Target and other big stores will do it, and the containers can\u2019t be as hidden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, Bain said he is not against the drones and that they can be helpful in certain circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s a child that needs medicine at 2am or an elderly person can\u2019t get to the store for food, then these drones are going to be worth it,\u201d said Bain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut the idea of drones is so new and leading edge that perhaps it\u2019s not okay with Clermont being the first. I don\u2019t believe that we have had enough discussion and know enough about it. I guess we will have to wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two variances were passed and will move forward with a resolution requirement that the containers will be wrapped with something more aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Walmart drones work<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eligible Items: Groceries (eggs, fruit, ice cream), medicine, baby formula, pet food, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weight Limit: Orders must typically be under 2.5 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operating Hours: Generally daylight hours, weather permitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Privacy: Drones use cameras for navigation and safety, not individual tracking, and follow strict privacy laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost: Free for Walmart+ members for a limited time; potential fees for others<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who can use it? Drone deliveries depend on your exact address, the weather, and the drone vendor\u2019s rules. Typically, you can use drone delivery if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 You are a customer with an eligible address and basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 You live within\u202f6-8 miles a store that offers drone delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Your order is 2.1 lbs or less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drone delivery availability is generally based on a customer\u2019s delivery address, local weather conditions, feasibility, and each drone delivery vendor\u2019s terms of service. Deliveries take up to 30 minutes to arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delivery of Your Order: A drone will deliver your order right to your driveway or yard. After the drone picks up your order from the store, you’ll get a notification letting you know the drone is on the way. Deliveries will be made to a predetermined location of your home, either the front yard, backyard or driveway. Drones will use a cable to gently lower the package to that predetermined location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source \u2013 Walmart.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Earlier this month, Clermont City Councilors approved an application to allow the city\u2019s Walmart to use drones to make customer deliveries. 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