Businesses step up to save Fort Myers Beach fireworks.
The show will go on after all on the 4th of July in Ft. Myers Beach. Local businesses raised 25,000 dollars in three months after city council voted to stop funding for the annual event, which dates back to the early 90's.
“No one wanted to see go away, it’s one of those things that makes people happy," said Jackie Liszak.
Liszak owns the Sea Gypsy Inn, and helped spearhead the fundraising effort, fellow business owners answered the call.
"Absolutely, not a problem, what can we do, how much do you need, how can we help."
And help they did, with enough money raised to cover the fireworks display, cleanup and police overtime.
Liszak had other motivations to keep the celebration alive.
“We have between 40 and 60 people that come from all over the country, we rent houses, they stay in our house.”
City leaders are proud the community rallied around each other, and now they're being asked to rise to the occasion for New Year's fireworks.
"I think that the beach saved 4th of July fireworks, and they will be doing the same for New Year's Eve," said Chamber of Commerce President Bud Nocera.
If it only took three months to raise money for the 4th, 6 months should be plenty of time.
"It’s just my faith in this island community is restored every time, is just restored.”
The Lani Kai resort chipped in $7,000 to pay for trolley service to and from the island. Construction on Estero Boulevard will be halted all day on the 4th.
