SARASOTA, Fla. — For one Tampa Bay community, tonight's fireworks show may be the last for the group that puts it together if they don't get a financial intervention.
Suncoast Charities said the future of the annual July 4th fireworks they host at the Bayfront Park in Sarasota is now at risk.
The parking lot at the park was already full by mid-afternoon, as families staked out their spots ahead of tonight's show, which begins at 9 p.m. Some had already placed their wagons and picnic blankets under coveted shaded areas.
This year's show has been cut down from 20 minutes to 16 minutes by the organizers, who said they are strapped for cash.
The show has been a tradition for many families in Sarasota for the past 15 years.
"It brings the vibe to the city, it brings a lot of vibe to the Marina. It is great for the economy and it is loads of fun with the kids enjoying the fireworks," said Joe Catell of Marina Jack, Sarasota, one of the flagship sponsors of the fireworks show.
It attracts thousands visiting the area to the Bay and many of them watch it from the dockside restaurants at Marina Jack or their boats anchored in the waters across from it. All the day's proceeds at the restaurant go to Suncoast Charities to help special needs kids.
That's part of why organizers are trying to save it, but are struggling.
"This show is definitely in trouble. There's no doubt about it," said Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director of Suncoast Charities for Children.
Fundraising efforts this past year fell far short of expectations and barely left any extra money to pay for the fireworks.
Organizers tell us each show minute costs $1,500. To keep the show going next year and beyond, $50,000 is needed.
"If that amount is not raised by say the first day of January 2025, then we will back away from it. A lot of these hotels and businesses are having July 4 rooftop parties but I will say that a lot of them, pretty much the majority do not support this event financially, and that really needs to happen for us to continue," Nicandri said.
"The deal with that is the children would miss out, you know? The community has festivities downtown. They do all sorts of fundraising events, but most importantly it's for the children," said Catell.
Organizers hope the community can rally together to save this beloved event.
"We hope that this tradition can continue, whether Suncoast charities for children is involved or not, but it's simply an economics focus that we have on the bottom line," said Nicandri.
The City of Sarasota provides support in kind by providing police officers for security and traffic management and also takes care of trash collection and clean up.
For more information visit Suncoast Charities for Children.