JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- For beach businesses like Sea Shells & Souvenirs, Fourth of July is the day they spend all year waiting for.
"We have a few main days and that's No. 1," said Sea Shells & Souvenirs manager Brooke Pierce.
With the exception of last year, when the city canceled its annual fireworks show.
"Breaking that to all the customers who come yearly to see the fireworks and get the condos on the beach was really tough," Pierce said.
But this year, Pierce won't have that problem.
Jacksonville Beach City Council, alongside Mayor Charlie Latham, voted 6-1 Monday night to reinstate the fireworks.
The only vote in opposition was City Councilman Steve Hartkemeyer.
But other city leaders also expressed reservations.
"I personally do not recommend fireworks. I think everyone knows the problems we had the last year we did," said City Manager George Forbes.
"It is more complex, more difficult, and more costly from the city staff standpoint if we have the fireworks," said Chief Patrick Dooley with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department.
A 15-20 minute fireworks show will cost the city $25,000 to produce, plus an extra $2,000 for security.
City officials say they plan to investigate fundraising options to help offset that cost.
On Monday night, City Council also approved a family-friendly 4th of July celebration to take place before the fireworks at the Seawalk Pavilion from 4-9 p.m. That event will be co-sponsored by Jax Beach Festivals, Inc.
