Beach to have fireworks on July 4
When the town of Fort Myers Beach decided to stop funding the fireworks for the annual Fourth of July fireworks show, it came down to the town residents and businesses to keep the tradition of the celebration going.
And did they ever come up big, raising enough money, and then some, to put the event on right.
During Monday’s regular town council meeting, Jacki Liszak of the Sea Gypsy Inn, who heads the fireworks fund, presented the town with a second check for $5,000, bringing the total amount raised to $25,000.
Liszak also presented a check from the Lani Kai, a key sponsor for the event, of $7,000 to cover the entire expense of a trolley bringing people on and off the island during the celebration.
“We are thrilled that our fireworks and Fourth of July parade will go on,” Liszak said as she presented the check to interim town manager Jim Steele. “Thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
In March, the town decided to stop funding the event. Consequently, the community stepped forward to create a fireworks fundraiser committee.
Liszak recruited other residents and business owners such as John Lallo of Pete’s Time Out, Andrea Carriere of Silver Sands and Bud Nocera of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.
“We told the town they can’t cancel the fireworks. Give us a chance to raise money to help cover the cost,” Liszak said. “I pulled some people together and they approached residents and businesses to fund the fireworks.”
The town agreed to match what the committee raised up to $25,000. As fundraising efforts progressed, the town amended its offer of matching funds down to $20,000 based on the cost of the fireworks.
After paying off the sheriff’s office, fire protection, closing the bridge, trash cleanup, and such, the cost will run somewhere near $50,000, Liszak said.
After everything was paid for, there is nearly $4,000 remaining, which will go toward New Year’s, Liszak said.
The problem soon became how people would be able to come to and from the event.
Last New Year’s Eve, the trolley service was not planned out. A group of businesses in Times Square rallied at the last minute to raise money to provide safe transportation to and from the event.
On June 17, the town said they did not have enough money to cover the cost of the trolleys, which is separate from the cost of fireworks and parade. This threatened to cancel the event.
Liszak, Councilperson Tracey Gore and Bob Conidaris, owner of the Lani Kai Island Resort, offered to cover the cost of the trolleys.
“I’m excited. It’s one of the best days on the island the whole year. It’s for everyone. Everyone wants these holiday events to continue.” Liszak said. “Residents and local businesses stepped up and put their money where their mouth is.”