Altamonte Springs leaders vote to end ‘Red Hot & Boom’
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. —
Altamonte Springs leaders voted Wednesday night to end “Red Hot & Boom,” approving a $121 million budget for 2027 that leaves out funding for the long-running Fourth of July celebration.
The event, which began 29 years ago, was originally created to promote the Uptown Altamonte commercial center and attract visitors to the city. City officials say its purpose has been achieved, as well as that it was costing too much.
It costs the city about $950,000, driven by inflation, tariffs, insurance, staffing, and security. 250,000 people attended this past event.
The discussion Wednesday also involved the Altamonte Springs Library.
The library was the subject of many comments from people who spoke in favor of it late last month. The city manager, Frank Martz, has recommended closing the 66-year-old library building and replacing it with a digital-first, community-based model.
“This is my fourth time coming out in favor of the library,” Jessica Lynch said Wednesday, one of the 17 residents who spoke for the library again that night.
Several residents said expenditures in the $121 million budget could be better spent.
“I still don’t understand why you got to get rid of the library. There’s other things, as other people have spoken, in that budget that we need to look at. I know we already committed to this World Series but we’re spending a lot of money over there,” Mary Ann Salazar said.
By a unanimous vote, the city of Altamonte adopted a 4.0 millage rate which would generate $4.9 million next year. It also adopted the $121 million budget for 2027.
As for the Altamonte Springs Library, there is a meeting set for Oct. 7 to come up with ideas including funding sources to keep it open.
Right now, it’s open until Sept. 30, 2027.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing how it’s going to unfold and obviously with great hope that it will be a success and that we’ll all be happy to have that facility remain open for many years to come,” said Commissioner Jim Turney.