Cocoa Beach seeks funds for fireworks

LOCATION: COCOA BEACH

BY: R. NORMAN MOODY • FLORIDA

DATE: March 5, 2010

 

DETAILS: Cocoa Beach is again preparing early for a public Fourth of July fireworks display.

"We're moving forward," Commissioner Kevin Pruett said. "We're optimistic we'll have a successful fireworks this Fourth of July."

The City Commission on Thursday approved $10,000 in "seed money" to begin raising money and hopes to raise the full amount.

The commission also agreed to ask the city manager to plan for the $10,000 in the budget for next year's event.

Last year, the city raised $58,000 of the $61,000 it needed for the fireworks.

It is the second year that the city has taken on the task of raising the money for the event some believe is good for businesses in the city.

The Cocoa Beach fireworks display, a popular Fourth of July tradition that attracts spectators from around the county, fizzled in 2008 when sponsor Ron Jon Surf Shop said the logistics of securing a Coast Guard-approved barge at a reasonable price was becoming a problem. The company remained a contributor.

Last year, the city began early working on getting a barge approved and collecting donations from businesses and individuals.

The fireworks are launched from a barge anchored off the beach near Shepard Park. Approval for the 2010 show is still forthcoming.

Pruett, who is heading up the fundraising said it will likely take extra effort this year.

"As you can expect, the fundraising is going to be a little more difficult this year,' he said.

Contact Moody at 242-3651 or nmoody@floridatoday.com.