Chamber raising funds for New Year’s Eve fireworks
Ringing in the New Year on Fort Myers Beach will almost certainly be a blast though the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce is looking for just a little help from the community to ensure all goes as planned.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce President Jacki Liszak said the chamber has raised a little more than half of the amount it needs as of Dec. 13.
The fireworks are scheduled to go off at midnight on New Year’s Eve following an evening of music at Times Square which is put on by the Times Square Merchant and Event Association. The fireworks display will last approximately 15-18 minutes, Liszak said.
The pier will be closed off all day as the fireworks are prepared, Liszak said. New Year’s Eve also is the birthday for Fort Myers Beach. To celebrate the town’s birthday, there will be hundreds of cupcakes handed out at Times Square, Town of Fort Myers Program Coordinator Sarah Mayher said.
The Fort Myers Beach Fundraising Committee is handling the collections for the fireworks. If you would like to donate to the cause you can contact the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce at 239-454-7500 or drop by their offices at 2450 Estero Boulevard. “If they can’t get it to us, we’ll come to them,” Liszak said. “Any amount is appreciated.”
“Come early, enjoy happy hour or dinner,” Liszak said. “Enjoy some live music in all of the establishments.” There will be additional trolley lines running, Mayher said. The last one will leave the island at 2 a.m.
Liszak said those wishing to come should arrive early to avoid anticipated traffic jams. “Take the park and ride or spend the night.” she said.