Milwaukee County will again opt for drones over fireworks for its Independence Day festivities this summer.

The county had its first-ever Fourth of July drone show in 2025, with officials saying at the time that drones would be better for the environment, safer and less costly than fireworks.

The show costs about $150,000 less than fireworks, Milwaukee County officials told the Journal Sentinel this week.

“Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone,” County Executive David Crowley said in an April news release. “This drone show is another example of how we’re investing in our parks, our neighborhoods and our shared sense of community pride.”  

More: A blue moon is coming May 31. Here’s what to know in Wisconsin

How did residents react to last year’s drone show?

Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith said in a news release last year the show is “an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community.”

“Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience,” Smith said. “It’s about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.”

But the Journal Sentinel polled readers after last year’s show and a majority responded that they would prefer the county bring back fireworks.

This year’s show will debut pyrotechnic drone technology, adding spark effect for an “even more dynamic and visually stunning performance,” the news release says.

How long is the Milwaukee drone show?

The show is 45 minutes long and features 900 drones, county officials said. It is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. July 3 along the lakefront at McKinley Beach.

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Police Department is giving the public a closer look at how officers use license plate reader cameras, part of an effort to be more transparent about how the technology affects community safety.

What we know:

For the first time, FOX6 got a look at a sample of audit results from the MPD involving the license plate reader system, also known as Flock.

The transparency effort comes after former officer Josue Ayala was charged with using the license plate readers to track someone he was dating and that person’s ex. Earlier this month, the department said a second officer was under investigation for possible misuse of the Flock camera system.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

On Thursday, May 28, FOX6 obtained MPD’s Flock audit report from April. It is something the department does every month.

In the report, MPD shared 24 “outlier uses” of the system. Those are possible red flags. The list is not all of them, but it gives a glimpse into how MPD uses the Flock system and how the department checks for misuse.

Of the 24 outlier uses, some plate numbers were associated with a wanted homicide suspect, a felony narcotics trafficking suspect and a suspect vehicle used in the abduction of a 5-year-old. According to the audit, that vehicle was located, the child was returned safely and a suspect was arrested.

The audit also listed a homicide investigation in which detectives developed plate numbers for both a suspect and victim, as well as a plate connected to a person wanted for second-degree sexual assault who was later arrested.

What they’re saying:

“Those audit logs are what was used to hold the officer accountable,” said Paris Lewbel, Flock Safety spokesperson.

Lewbel said Flock Safety is partnered with 220 law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin.

“We think it is important that communities are talking about their technology and how they use it,” Lewbel said.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

The company does not release how many cameras there are, but Lewbel said there have been fewer than 15 misuse cases across the country among the 140,000 users on the platform.

“Within the FLOCK system from day one, we built an immutable audit log in the system that allows law enforcement command staff and internal affairs in these cases to be able to see exactly what is being searched in the law enforcement system and FLOCK system specifically,” Lewbel said.

Dig deeper:

In Milwaukee, license plate readers have faced pushback from people who fear the data could be misused. Critics have called the system an invasion of privacy, saying it tracks innocent people as the debate over how the cameras are used continues.

FOX6 asked the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday whether the second officer under investigation had been charged. The office replied, “not at this time.”

What you can do:

The full list of outliers from the audit is available on the FOX Local app.

Every week, Milwaukee With Kids answers a simple question for families across the area: What are we going to do this weekend? From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. For the full weekend list, make sure to visit the Milwaukee With Kids website.

Featured event

Summer Reading Kickoff 
Milwaukee Public Library | Central Branch
May 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kick off a summer of learning with hands-on activities for kids and teens, special exhibits and early registration for the summer reading program. Special guests and partners include Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and Urban Ecology Center.

Up close with animals

Summer Exhibit: Powerful Pollinators
Milwaukee County Zoo
Through Oct. 4

Explore life-sized animatronic pollinators and discover how the Zoo helps protect them through native gardens, honeybee hives, and conservation initiatives. Entry fee: $4 after general zoo admission.

Raptor Encounter
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Bayside
May 30 | 1-2 p.m.

Come to the Great Hall to see two birds from the nature center’s raptor program. During this meet-and-greet experience, you can talk with raptor handlers about the specific skills, traits and adaptations that are unique to that bird. The program educates about raptor ecology, conservation and these birds’ important roles in the ecosystem, with an emphasis on hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, plus an American Crow. Free with membership or admission.

Strong body, strong mind

MKE REC Family Day of Play 
Wick Playfield
May 30 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Families are invited to enjoy 10+ engaging activities, including an obstacle course, bubble bash, lava land, crafts, games and various types of sports equipment available for free play. The day also features delicious food available for purchase, raffle drawings for amazing prizes and live music filling the air. You’re welcome to bring a picnic lunch, but a limited number of tables and chairs will be available, so bring your own if you have them.

Moms Mental Health Initiative Summer Social
Wilson Park
May 30 | 9 a.m.-Noon

The fifth annual event doubles as a celebration of MMHI’s 10 years supporting the strength of the organization’s participants and the immeasurable power of togetherness. Funds raised from the silent auction, pluck-a-duck, raffle and donations will allow MMHI to continue offering hope and help to perinatal people struggling in Southeast Wisconsin and Dane County.

Music and movement

MSO Sensory-Friendly Concert: Musical Influencers
Bradley Symphony Center
May 31 | 2:30 p.m.

Good times and great music will be trending as onstage influencers from Pink Umbrella Theater introduce you to some of the most influential composers of all time. This special performance is designed for people of any age on the autism spectrum or with a sensory sensitivity and their families, but all are welcome!

Concert modifications include dimmed house lights remaining on during the performance, flexible seating, relaxed house rules, on-stage hosts, available sensory kits, noise-reduction headphones, quiet areas, concert social narratives and more. Patrons are encouraged to come early and enjoy an hour of special pre-concert activities.

Kid Boogie Down
The Cooperage
May 31 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Get your groove on as DJ Lukewarm introduces young audiences to genres ranging from classic disco and funk to modern hits synced with matching music videos. Plus, you’ll enjoy lots of kid-friendly fun: music, foggy bubbles, videos, temporary tattoos, a ring toss, snacks, cotton candy, and a vintage clothing and toy pop-up shop. Grab a four-pack of tickets for a $10+ discount.

Ferns, fossils and trees

FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Oriental Theatre
May 30-31 | Noon

Enjoy this family-friendly classic as Milwaukee Film wraps up its “Ani-May” movie series. When a sprite named Crysta shrinks a human boy named Zak down to her size, he vows to help the magical fairy folk stop a greedy logging company from destroying their home: the pristine rainforest known as FernGully. Zak and his new friends fight to defend FernGully from lumberjacks and the vengeful spirit they accidentally unleash after chopping down a magic tree.

Tree Climbing Festival
Riveredge Nature Center | Saukville
May 30 | 10 a.m.-Noon

Encounter the giants of the forest and explore trees from a new perspective as you climb into the canopy under the guidance of trained facilitators. Adults and children ages 7+ are invited to ascend to the top, swing from a branch or try a “bat hang.” Registration for this event includes 20 minutes of climb time, a scavenger hunt along the trails a naturalist-led hands-on nature investigation and access to picnic areas for lunch (please pack a lunch and be mindful of single-use plastic waste).

Family Fossil Hunting
Kenosha Public Museum
May 30 | 10 a.m.-Noon

Join Nick Wiersum from the Dinosaur Discovery Museum to explore the local fossils of Kenosha’s lakeshore. Meet at the museum to learn about the prehistoric life that called this area home and discuss how to locate fossils, then head out to the Simmon’s Island beach house to collect fossils of your own! The museum will provide you with any tools you will need, including a collection bag, fossil guide and magnifying glass.