NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — On a sunny day at Neptune Beach, you might catch sight of massive kites dancing in the sea breeze.
Enthusiastic kite flyers have turned the sky into a colorful canvas, captivating beachgoers.
"We're just flying kites like kids, having a good time," said Eddie Rodriguez, a passionate kite flyer, also known as the Kite King of Neptune Beach.
"I flew kites as a kid," added Matthew Gossert. "When I found out there are much larger kites, I decided to pick up the hobby again. As you can see, they are humongous."
That's quite an understatement. The largest kite in their group resembles a whale, measuring an impressive 65 feet and requiring 50 gallons of sand to keep it grounded. And there's more to come.
"I have an 85-foot megalodon shark being custom-made and a 21-meter stingray," Gossert said.
These hobbyists can be seen on Neptune Beach on most weekends, drawing sizable crowds.
"People love it," Rodriguez said. "It just brings a big smile to their faces. It gives back to the community. So many people stop by, wanting to know more about it. Really, it's a hobby."
Of course, weather plays a crucial role in their kite-flying sessions.
"We like the winds coming from the east. A good day is when it's 12-15 miles per hour. Usually, after two is the best time," Rodriguez explained.
The group welcomes anyone interested to join them in flying kites, though it's worth noting that the larger kites can be quite costly. The whale kite, for instance, costs around $6,000. Additionally, launching these giant kites often requires a team effort.
"My friend's kite takes about four people to launch," Rodriguez mentioned.
Their ultimate goal? To inspire a kite flying festival at the beach and encourage people of all ages to get outside and enjoy the day.