What’s that up in the sky over Glades and Hendry Counties?

A paraglide event is underway this week with participants launching from land owned by the Glades RV Resort, 1682 Indian Hills Drive in Glades County (between SR 80 and the Caloosahatchee River.)  

More than 40 pilots from all over the United States are competing.  Each day a task for the pilots is set that takes into consideration the day's weather conditions.  Pilots earn points based on how much of the task they complete each day. 

The event started April 24. On April 29, the points will be tallied and  awards and prizes will be presented to winners in different divisions. 

Most days the paragliders will be launching from a pasture next to the Glades RV Resort.  They launch the paragliders  using a vehicle and a fully electric payout winch.

Due to the winds being from the east most of the week, the tasks will likely take the pilots towards the west most days.

Note: Part of Glades County is on the south side of the Caloosahatchee River, because the county lines were set before the river was channelized.