Jake Lyonfields News Today

Today is likely the last public hearing for the legislation

Board Bill 199 would only allow for-profit drone surveillance of city residents who consent

SMS Novel, a Maryland-based drone company, said the First Amendment allows them to fly over St. Louis despite being served a cease-and-desist letter from the city.

SMS Novel has posted on its website a call to drone operators from across the country to come to St. Louis to help launch its surveillance program early next month.

SMS Novel has posted on its website a call to drone operators from across the country to come to St. Louis to help launch its surveillance program early next month.

From Philly to Savannah to Memphis, Jomo K. Johnson has left a trail of broken promises. His crime-fighting drone idea in St. Louis was the latest.

"In light of these challenges, SMS Novel Films has chosen to conduct the beta test in an unnamed neighborhood at a time of our choosing," the letter said.

SMS Novel says itll conduct its drone surveillance "beta test" over another St. Louis neighborhood and hire 20 local residents.

From Philly to Savannah to Memphis, Jomo K. Johnson has left a trail of broken promises. His crime-fighting drone idea in St. Louis was the latest.

But the out-of-town businessman behind the effort said on Monday he wont back down. And it’s not clear city officials can stop him.