July 4th Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

*Best viewing is from Bayfront Park near Marina Jack. For more information or to make your dinner reservation, contact Marina Jack at (941) 365-4232.

The July 4th Bayfront Fireworks have been a cherished tradition bringing our community and families together for more than 10 years. This year, a community fundraising effort is underway to ensure future events continue for years to come.

Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack, has been at the helm of organizing this event for more than 10 years but rising costs are putting the continuation of this beloved event at risk. Net revenues back to the Suncoast Charities for Children have been steadily decreasing, due to increased expenses to produce the July 4th Bayfront Fireworks.

Lucy Nicandri, Suncoast Charities for Children’s Executive Director, expressed the organization’s deep commitment to their mission of supporting local children, teens and adults with special needs. “It is our goal to secure enough funding to cover the cost of producing a quality event for our community, receive a significant donation to support our mission after expenses and increase public awareness that a local non-profit is the organizer of this event,” said Nicandri.

Thankfully, because of the gracious support of Marina Jack, the 2024 July 4th Bayfront Fireworks will happen. However, future fireworks in July are in jeopardy. Lana Jackson, Marina Jack’s General Manager, highlights the importance of broader community support to keep this beloved tradition alive for future generations. In 2023, total expenses to safely produce the event totaled $37,700, which included a 20-minute fireworks display.

“Before the event in 2023, only $14,000 in public and private sponsorships were secured which would have resulted in a loss to the charity,” said Jackson. “Thanks to an anonymous donor coming forward at the last minute, all the necessary expenses were covered including a donation of $7,000 to Suncoast Charities for Children. However, to make it worth the time it takes to organize and produce such an event, additional support from our community is needed, said Jackson.