Staff was asked to plan a July 4th celebration including fireworks for 2017.

The logistical challenges are:

• With the assumption that the most attractive location would be over water, either the intercoastal or the ocean, it was determined that there was not enough time to get the proper permits (Coast Guard) to have the fireworks over the water. Permitting is 135 days and we started the planning process within 60 days.
• In evaluating other possible locations staff looked at the Wells Complex, Dan Callaway Complex and the Public Safety building. The Wells Complex is not ideal as there is a concern that a large crowd would bottleneck Public Safety(Police and Fire) in responding to emergencies city wide. The public safety complex did not provide enough clearance to launch large enough fireworks to be seen more than a few blocks away. Therefore we focused on the Dan Callaway Complex.

Tentative plan and status pending further direction:

• Due to the late date of getting started the best day that fireworks vendors could provide services is Monday July 3, 2017.
• The tentative plan is to hold a celebration based at Dan Callaway Complex beginning at 6 pm. This would include food trucks, music, kids games and conclude with a 20 minute Fireworks display. Staff would keep Barracuda Bay open as an alternative viewing site. This plan is within the $25,000 budget discussed during FY17 budget discussions.
• Presently staff has secured a fireworks vendor and music for the evening. Pending direction we would secure food trucks and children's games and begin promotions.

Issues to consider for future July 4 events:

• Type of celebration, length of celebration (all day, half day,quarter day)
• Increased budget. Over water would cost an additional $15,000 in intercostal and $30,000 in the ocean.
• Primary location for activities.