# The Automated Pyrotechnic Drone Attempting to avoid local fireworks restrictions, a self-taught drone hobbyist built a custom quadcopter dressed in a top hat and white beard, designed to drop sparklers from the sky. The "Uncle Sam Express" made its maiden flight on Saturday. Unfortunately, a programming error caused the drone to misidentify a neighborhood palm tree as a designated landing pad, leading to an immediate and loud botanical light show. ## A Palm Tree in Flames "It just hovered there, saluted, and then began launching fireworks directly into the coconuts," said a spectator. "It was like a mini sci-fi battle in our backyard." Fire crews quickly extinguished the tree, and the drone's creator has promised to stick to manual ignition methods in the future. *Satire Disclosure: This is a satirical parody story. FLORIDAMAN.AI is an entertainment network, not a news source.*