The City of Venice has canceled its July 4th fireworks show this year. Please see below message from City Manager Ed Lavallee:

Over the past few months, the City of Venice has had to cancel special events due to the COVID-19 pandemic and we continue to monitor on a month to month basis. As such, the City of Venice will not be hosting the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration this year.

The coronavirus and related financial and operational implications necessitated the cancellation of this year’s event. The Governor’s Executive Orders requiring social distancing in public places would prohibit the typical gathering of large crowds to observe the fireworks display. The popular observation sites including the public beaches, annually attracts huge crowds on the island and it would not be possible to manage social distancing standards, along with providing the other necessary crown management, traffic control and public safety tasks.

Additionally, the costs of the event approximates $35,000. The fireworks contract of $25,000 is typically subsidized with a generous gift from the Sertoma Club of Venice. As many special events have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, service organizations like Sertoma have experienced their own financial challenges.

The City budget is under close scrutiny to conserve expenses where possible as a safeguard against future revenue losses from the pandemic. As much as the public enjoys the annual fireworks display, under these circumstances it is prudent to defer this elective expense.