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Dunedin, Safety Harbor To Have Fireworks

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: May 31, 2008

DUNEDIN - Factors such as tight budgets, dwindling sponsorships from struggling businesses and rising fireworks prices are prompting some Florida cities to forgo traditional Fourth of July fireworks displays this year. That list includes cities such as Tarpon Springs and Plant City.

The pyrotechnic tradition, however, will continue in Dunedin and Safety Harbor.

David White, city special events coordinator, said the city received a good price from its fireworks vendor. Costs were trimmed in other areas to be able to provide the traditional free concert and fireworks display that kicks off Independence Day weekend.

For the last decade the city has held its fireworks the evening of July 3 along with a concert at Knology Park, the baseball stadium on Douglas Avenue.

The event was initially planned for July 3 to reduce its cost and to not conflict with other Independence Day events planned at the time, White said. Many people now like the city having its fireworks the day before July 4, because many people have picnics and social gatherings to attend on the actual Independence Day.

"We are the kick-off to everyone's long holiday weekend," White said.

It has also become tradition for many revelers to attend the concert before heading out to Dunedin Causeway for the Kiwanis Club-Morton Plant Mease Hospital Midnight Run. The one-mile fun run will begin around 11 p.m., followed by a 5K run at 11:25 and 10 K race, 12:15 a.m. July 4.

There will be plenty of parking in and around the stadium for the 2,000 to 3,000 who usually attend the festivities, White said.

This year the fireworks display, which begins around 9:30 p.m.,will be accompanied by a musical soundtrack at the stadium, he said. One of the sponsors is True Oldies WJQB-FM 106.3.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Two popular 1950s and '60s-style rock bands are scheduled to perform starting at 7 p.m. The '60s Groove and The Shaguars will perform their special blend of classic rock before the fireworks display.

The concession area will be open to provide food and drink to the crowd. No coolers, personal fireworks or pets are permitted at the stadium.

Safety Harbor's slate of Fourth of July activities will get under way at 5 p.m., according to Brad Purdy, city communications manager.

The city is cutting spending in other areas to be able to pay for this year's fireworks display, Purdy said.

Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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