The Town of Fort Myers Beach said it will not host its annual municipal fireworks display this year after a comprehensive budget review revealed the town exceeded projections by approximately $1 million. The town said it forced official to make difficult cuts across all departments.
The fireworks display, which cost more than $300,000, represented nearly one-fifth of the town’s discretionary budget, the town said in a press release. Town leadership said the decision prioritizes essential services and fiscal responsibility during ongoing recovery efforts.
“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, who presented a formal risk analysis to Town Council. “We are in a tight spot right now, with recovery efforts and FEMA compliance taking priority. We had to do the most responsible and sensible thing.”…