Altamonte Springs to vote on ending Red Hot & Boom

Madilyn DestefanoBob HazenALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. —

Altamonte Springs officials are weighing whether to end the Red Hot & Boom fireworks show due to escalating costs at City Hall Thursday night.

The annual Fourth of July celebration, which attracts 200,000 people to the area near the mall, costs nearly $1 million, according to city officials.

Expenses have risen because of security, tariffs, inflation and insurance.

City Manager Frank Martz said the event, which began 29 years ago to promote and develop Uptown Altamonte, has achieved its goal.

Officials now believe it is time to discontinue the event.

The city commission is voting on next year’s budget, which does not allocate any funding for Red Hot & Boom.

The meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Altamonte City Hall, will include a public hearing where residents can voice their opinions on the matter.

This vote is not final, as a second vote will be required later to officially approve the budget.