JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- Nothing says Independence Day like the loud booms and bright lights of fireworks.
Jax Beach is known for it's annual show but last time things got out of control.
"We had over 270 calls for service that evening. We had over 20 arrests in a four hour span. Several officers were assaulted," Commander Patrick Dooley said.
In order to avoid a repeat, the Jax Beach Police Department decided to pull the plug on this year's display. Despite the safety measure, some aren't happy about it.
"It's a buzzkill. It's America's birthday. And last year we had such a great time," Matthew Bogdan said.
Restaurants like Da Big Kahuna benefit from the 4th of July crowd. Owner Shane Kim says he'd like to go on as planned but he understands public safety.
"Ultimately, I would like to have fireworks as long as it's safe for the community. The cops are safer as well," he said.
Other business owners who did not want to go on camera, tell us they're happy about the cancellation.
Some say they don't want the rough, rowdy crowd the fireworks bring.
Commander Dooley says to a certain extent they agree. They simply can't accommodate everyone who wants to come.
"The crowds and events itself has basically outgrown the city. We're now at a point where we can't provide the level of public safety that's required for the number of people that come out here for that kind of crowd," he said.
Last year, at least 100,000 people showed up to the fireworks show.
