REDINGTON SHORES – Fireworks will return this year to the skies over Redington Shores on the Fourth of July.
Thanks to the work of the eight-member Redington Shores Fireworks Committee, the town has raised enough money for a 25- to 30-minute show by Melrose Pyrotechnics of Ctawba, S.C.
The show will take place Saturday, July 4 shortly after dusk in the county park at 182nd Avenue and Gulf Boulevard.
The Town of Redington Shores has budgeted $9,000 for the event and donations from residents and businesses have accounted for another $3,000.
“We haven’t secured what we wanted but we’ll go with what we have,” said Town Clerk Mary Palmer. “If we get additional donations, we’ll increase the length of the show or roll that money over for next year.”
Members of the committee are Ron and Mary Gerst, Peter Ganio, Mark Sheffield, Joe Diez, Mark Jones, Norma Rienhardt and Nance Bloomer.
The committee was formed earlier this year to raise money to reinstate the popular holiday fireworks display after it was canceled in 2008 due to a lack of funds.
In past years, the towns of Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Indian Shores teamed up to fund the annual fireworks display.
However, due to budget cutbacks related to Amendment 1 and other factors, North Redington Beach and Indian Shores opted out a year ago, forcing cancellation of the event.
The committee has received two bids – $16,000 from Melrose Pyrotechnics and $20,000 from Bay Fireworks.The Melrose bid was later whittled down to $12,000.
Palmer said the town paid Melrose a $6,000 down payment in late April and will pay the balance after the show.
“We’re asking people to continue sending us money,” said Palmer. “Whatever is not used this year will be used next year.”
To make a donation, contact Palmer at Redington Shores Town Hall or call 397-5538.
