ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Springs officials are considering whether to discontinue the city’s Red, Hot and Boom Fourth of July event as part of next year’s budget discussions, citing rising costs tied to inflation, tariffs, insurance and staffing.

The city’s recent budget proposal lists the cost of hosting the event at about $950,000. Officials said the size of the crowd at Cranes Roost Park contributes to the expense, but also contributes to some of the concern about keeping the event.

In the documentation accompanying the city’s proposed budget, City Manager Franklin W. Martz II explained the reasoning behind the recommendation to end the Red, Hot and Boom event.

“Red, Hot and Boom, which marked its 29th year alongside the nation’s 250th birthday, drew over 220,000 visitors this year. However, the event’s costs have soared to nearly $950,000 due to inflation, tariffs, insurance, staffing and security, while sponsorships covered a fraction of the costs. The event has outgrown its venue; requires months of staff planning and causes disruptions to local businesses. Given these challenges and the high cost for this five-hour event, the 2027 budget does not include Red, Hot and Boom. The event was originally started to promote Uptown Altamonte and support economic growth. The event’s purpose has been achieved.”

Because more than 200,000 people attended the 29th annual Red, Hot and Boom event this year, though, attendees said they believe that number speaks to its importance.

“The fireworks being in the middle of the lake gives everyone around it an equal opportunity to see,” said Altamonte Springs resident Ben Rowland, who attended this year’s event. “It’s incredible — it goes on and on and on and on. It’s just incredible.”

Rowland said he understands the city’s financial concerns, but hopes officials preserve the event in some form.

“I get finances and the economy and everything, and if they need to reduce it, try to reduce it as little as possible,” Rowland said. “But I wouldn’t think of it as a fireworks event, I would look at it as a community event.”

Altamonte Springs City Commissioner Jim Turney said he would support continuing some type of event, but not necessarily in the same format. He said that this isn’t a new conversation, but believes that the cost is increasing, so it may be a good idea to reconfigure the event.

“When we had a discussion about it a few years ago, I suggested trying drone shows because the fireworks were a hazard for all the new people moving into the area around Cranes Roost Park,” Turney said.

The first reading of the proposed budget, which does not include funding for Red, Hot and Boom, is scheduled for Sept. 3, when members of the public can share their thoughts. A second reading is scheduled for Sept. 16. If the budget passes both readings, it will go into effect on Oct. 1.