Local fireworks shows still seeking donations

The July Fourth fireworks show scheduled in Sebring is less than a month away but about $5,000 is still needed to pay for the show, which costs $15,000.

"Funds are still desperately needed in order for the tradition to continue," said a news release from the Sebring Chamber of Commerce.

The Sebring chamber is not sponsoring the event but decided to step in to collect the donations, said chamber CEO and president Kristie Sotille-Ogg.

Local resident Dusty Johnson is spearheading the fundraising.

He said the City of Sebring cut its $5,000 contribution this year, which hurt the fireworks kitty, along with a late start they had in raising funds this year due to several reasons.

The Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency has doubled what it contributes every year, from $2,500 to $5,000.

But without community support they cannot meet the shortfall, Johnson added.

The show will still go on as planned at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 3 at City Pier Beach.

It will not be at the "same level" as previous years if they don't have the full amount, he added.

Anyone who would like to make a financial contribution in any amount is encouraged to do so immediately.

Donations may be made payable to Sebring Chamber of Commerce with Fireworks Fund in the memo line.

For more information, call the Sebring Chamber of Commerce at 385-8448.

The chamber is located at 227 U.S. 27 N.

Lake Placid

Every year the Lake Placid Jaycees organize the annual Fourth of July fireworks.

This year, they have $5,000 the town of Lake Placid has pledged and have received some more donations but could be short right now of the $11,000 they need to put on the show they do every year, said Jaycees member Kim Miller.

The group sent letters requesting donations about 10 days ago, she said.

Miller has not had the chance to see the monetary amount of the checks that have been sent in but is expecting a few more checks to come in later in the month.

The Jaycees' big fireworks barbecue fundraiser is set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at Stuart Park in Lake Placid.

Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased in advance by calling Happiness Farms at 465-2313 or Clarke Pest Control at 465-6622.

The fireworks show is set for 9 p.m. July 4. Spectators can gather either at Bishop Park or the Lake June ball fields.

Will the show go on if the Jaycees don't get the full $11,000?

Yes, Miller said. It may be scaled down, though.

Avon Park

The fireworks show at Avon Park is "ready to go," said Avon Park Jaycees member Travis Turner, who is chairing the fireworks committee for the group.

The group has raised the $17,000 it needs.

The nonprofit organization sponsors and coordinates the fireworks celebration held in downtown every July 4.

The fireworks display will start at approximately 9:15 p.m. at Lake Verona beach.

A few tickets are still available for the seventh annual steak dinner fundraiser set from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 11 at Bill Jarrett Ford in Avon Park.

Tickets can be purchased through any Jaycees member, Turner Furniture or Laye's Tire Service, located in Avon Park. The proceeds go toward the Fourth of July celebration.

Of the three fundraisers the Jaycees do, the fireworks one is the biggest, said Turner.

He wanted to thank the Avon Park community for pitching in and helping year after year.

"The Jaycees are just the facilitators," he said. "It's the community that comes together."

Those who want to donate cash or are interested in purchasing tickets to the steak dinner should contact Travis Turner at 381-5602 or email him at travist@strato.net.