Fort Myers Beach will not host a municipal fireworks display this year following a budget review.
The town’s budget exceeded projections by about $1 million, leading to difficult decisions to maintain fiscal responsibility.
“When we evaluated the fireworks alongside essential services like utilities or public safety, it just didn’t come close,” said Jeff Hauge, Director of Community Services. In a released statement, he noted that recovery efforts and FEMA compliance are currently prioritized.
Town Manager Will McKannay emphasized, in the same release, the town’s financial obligations to taxpayers.
“We have a responsibility to be good financial stewards of taxpayer dollars,” McKannay said. “If we want to avoid significant mileage increases, then difficult choices had to be made — and unfortunately, the fireworks had to go.”
The fireworks display accounted for nearly one-fifth of the discretionary budget, with costs exceeding $300,000. Town officials made it clear that the decision is not permanent and expressed hope for future celebrations through public-private partnerships.
Officials acknowledged the community’s disappointment but stressed the importance of prioritizing recovery efforts and maintaining essential services.