Editor’s Note: For dRTB’s Health & Happiness Issue 2021, Mary Lou Janson explores the many ways in which Florida is the perfect destination for checking off lifetime bucket lists — whether you’re looking for once-in-a-lifetime adventures on land, underwater, in the sky or on the racetrack.

Based at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Skydive City has been helping people from around the world jump out of planes for more than 30 years.

On-the-ground training covers the basics before it’s time to board the plane for a 20-minute flight to the drop zone.

All photos by Chris Stubbs of Skydive City.

The journey down to the ground typically begins from a height of nearly 13,500 feet.

Initially you, plus your more experienced jumping partner, drop through the atmosphere as nature intended. That’s what’s known as free falling and it means moving at 110 mph for a minute.

Wind and noise will be noticeable as you fall face down toward the earth at a rate of about 1,000 feet every six seconds.

Once the descent logs the 5,000-foot level, the instructor releases the parachute and the next few minutes are spent maneuvering for the landing at a much more leisurely pace.

Tandem package, $199, skydivecity.com.