Not In the ‘Works

Pyrotechnic displays may become recession casualty in S. Florida

July Fourth fireworks are as American as apple pie and baseball but the expensive explosive displays might become another recession casualty in South Florida.

While Miami and Miami Beach will forge ahead with their pyrotechnic displays, some cities throughout the area are losing the 'works.

Weston has axed its fireworks and Coral Gables, which cut its show last year, is considering doing the same this year. So is Hollywood. And Fort Lauderdale officials yesterday discussed how to reduce costs to their show, which costs upwards of $125,000.

"I don't think we can possibly increase this to 125," Mayor Jack Seiler told the Miami Herald. "I think it's out of the question."

While exploding thousands of dollars worth of Chinese paper and powder into thin air might not be the most logical way to celebrate our freedom, it has become a tradition that many don't want to see disappear.

Pembroke Pines, which spends a modest $20,000 on their display, will proceed with festivities.

"We get a huge crowd so $20,000 I don't think is way out of line, Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis said.

But with layoffs, deficits and other governmental crises hitting South Florida, cities have no problem scrapping their fireworks displays.

"We have to save our money for other things," Maria Higgins Fallon, spokeswoman for the city of Coral Gables, told the Herald.

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