Village’s Independence Day fireworks display cancelled

No fireworks this July 4th.

In an email newsletter sent out to residents and members of the news media on May 23, the Village of Palmetto Bay announced that the traditional July 4 Independence Day fireworks show and celebration was cancelled for this year.

“One of the property owners who has graciously allowed the village to use their property for this annual event, has notified us that they expect construction on their property to be underway by the beginning of July,” the newsletter stated. “Without that large parcel just north of Palmetto Station, the village cannot safely organize the Independence Day fireworks display and celebration.”

Additionally, it said that the fire marshal requires the fireworks contractor to organize the ground into a designated launch zone, a spectator zone and a safety/buffer zone and there was simply not enough land to make the geometry of all that work with what would likely be a crowd of 10,000 or more people attending.

Village staff looked for alternative sites in the area but none could be found, especially on such short notice. The July 4th celebration is the best attended community event and a lot of work goes into organizing it and in clean-up afterward.

Both the site used for the fireworks launch area and the public viewing area have a controversial history. They were owned by developer Wayne Rosen and his Shores Properties company, and he intended to build a charter school there. In 2017, he offered the small back portion of the property for sale to the village with the provision that he would not build the charter school if he was allowed to build 1,000 residences in the larger adjacent property.

Then Councilmember David Singer urged the village to take the offer since the revenue from the 1,000 residences would be beneficial to Palmetto Bay. Mayor Eugene Flinn, Councilmember David Singer and Councilmember Larissa Siegel Lara voted to accept the offer and buy the small parcel of land. Vice Mayor John DuBois and then Councilmember Karyn Cunningham voted against it, but the measure passed. Charter officers at the time were village manager Edward Silva and village attorney Dexter Lehtinen.

Money was taken from the General Fund to purchase the land for $3 million, which was above the appraised value, and resulted in a portion of Palmetto Bay Park, near Village Hall, being demolished to make room for a road leading up to the development. The children’s playground and basketball courts were removed.

The property is still owned by Wayne Rosen. His daughter is overseeing the current building project.

Current Mayor Karyn Cunningham was not happy with the need to cancel the fireworks display and Independence Day event.

“Like many of our residents and South Dade neighbors, I’m deeply disappointed that we must cancel this year’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza,” Mayor Cunningham said. “I know how much our community looks forward to this tradition started by our former Mayor Shelly Stanczyk. Unfortunately, I have seen a political blog, Palmetto Bay Neighbors Alliance, written by a former candidate Pam Gorman, politicizing and spreading misinformation about the reasons for the cancellation.

“This decision was not about budget concerns, but about ensuring the safety and quality of this signature event. I remain hopeful that we’ll be able to bring back this cherished celebration in a new location next year, one that reflects the spirit of Palmetto Bay.”

Mayor Cunningham went on to thank the sponsors of the would-be event: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A., Audi Miami South, Baptist Health, Waypoint, Contracting Inc., Grove Bank and Trust, Palmer Trinity School, South State Bank, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, ERA Realty and a number of others for their flexibility and support.

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