At a June 18, 2020, emergency meeting of the Crystal River City Council, members voted unanimously to postpone the 2020 fireworks display to a later date.
“Since a previous approval of the fireworks by the Council, Florida has seen a significant and concerning increase in the number of COVID-19 cases reported,” said the Crystal River City Council.
Citing the tripling of COVID-19 cases in the State, the substantial cancelation in firework displays throughout the State, the record crowd a fireworks display will draw, and the City’s obligation to public safety, the Council made this most difficult decision.
The Old-Fashioned 4th of July event and fireworks show has been held at Kings Bay Park for the past six years, with the fireworks show taking place even longer. The show draws watchers from all over the State and includes a 20-25-minute fireworks display over Kings Bay. The safety of the community, City staff, and first responders directly involved in putting on this event played a considerable role in the decision to postpone the show this year.
“I am very, very frustrated by the whole situation,” said Mayor Joe Meek. “Unfortunately, it is the responsible thing to do.”
Council made a recommendation to plan an event, including the fireworks, in the future, when the overall health of the community is no longer at risk. The opportunity to do a significant event and welcome people back to downtown in the off-season will be an excellent asset for our community and local businesses.
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