There was disappointment Wednesday night because the annual fireworks shows at Tampa’s Riverwalk and St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront did not go as planned.
In St. Petersburg, messages were posted on all of the city's social media platforms notifying residents and visitors that the show was canceled because of “technical difficulties" from their vendor.
Due to technical difficulties, we unfortunately have to cancel our fireworks show tonight. We hope everyone enjoyed their #4thofJuly2018 festivities throughout the day.— St. Petersburg, FL (@StPeteFL) July 5, 2018
“As a customer, the City of St. Petersburg shares the public’s disappointment,” said the city of St. Petersburg in a statement. “We’ve lost confidence in this vendor, they will not be paid, and we will seek a new one for next year.”
The city said the fireworks show will not be rescheduled.
Due to safety and weather concerns, the Tampa Police Department instructed the Tampa Riverwalk to begin their show five minutes early, and apparently shortened it. The show was supposed to start at 9 p.m.
pic.twitter.com/sF4fon7sH2— Tampa Riverwalk (@tampariverwalk) July 5, 2018
While Gulfport and Temple Terrace experienced inclement weather as well, only Gulfport will reschedule their Fourth of July Fireworks Show.
Creative Pyrotechnics will launch the show at 9 p.m. on July 5. People can view the show from the Walter and Bert Williams Fishing Pier.
Many people expressed their concerns on Twitter.
ohhh Noooooo.... I've been down there in the past years and it was BEAUTIFUL. Thousands of people flock every year.. what a shame pic.twitter.com/SBwlYOG7im— Angi (@angi19609) July 5, 2018
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