SARASOTA - The Met Life Blimp will be flying over Sarasota and Manatee counties for the next several days.

Snoopy One is in town to cover this year’s Sarasota Invitational Rowing Regatta, but it’s also helping boost the spirits of some local children.

Working with the Shriners, the crew of Snoopy One will be giving rides to sick children and their families. It’s something the pilot has been doing with pride for a long time.

“I've been doing this for 21 years. We dedicate probably 4 or 5 days a month strictly to flying for the hospitals," says Chief Pilot Terry Dillard.

It takes a big crew to make sure the blimp flies. Traveling with Snoopy One is a flight crew of two pilots, two mechanics, and 11 others.