Central Florida draws tourists from around the world with its theme parks and beaches, but on July 3, fireworks will be added to that list.
This Wednesday, Altamonte Springs will host its 27th annual Red Hot & Boom festival in Cranes Roost Park from 5-10 p.m. Filled with food trucks, live music and, of course, fireworks, this free event has been named a top-10 fireworks attraction in Florida and consistently draws around 150,000 spectators each year, according to Altamonte Springs city manager Frank Martz.
Deana Dipaola, the Altamonte Springs police department’s public information officer, said that to prepare for such a large crowd, local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, the fire department, and medics have worked together to ensure the safety of those attending the event and in the surrounding areas.
“It takes a lot of us to get together to handle this many people, and we appreciate all their help,” Dipaola said during a news conference Monday.
In the Florida heat, heat-related illness is a common, but serious threat, according to Tod Zellers, the Seminole County fire department’s assistant chief of special operations. Zellers encourages all attendees to drink plenty of water at and before the event, avoid alcohol, caffeine, or other drinks that can cause dehydration, and to stay in the shade as much as possible.
“Shade absolutely makes a difference,” Zellers said. “If you have a chance to get in the shade and cool off a little bit, do so.”
To cool off, attendees can sit and enjoy performances from five Central Florida-based bands. Ranging from the reggae influences of The Intracoastals to the bluesy Voodoo Moonshine, these bands – along with Blue Stone Circle, No Lonely Hearts, and Relic – will begin performing at 5 p.m. on Red Hot & Boom’s iconic floating stage in the middle of Cranes Roost Lake.
In past years, nationally-known artists such as pop star Madison Beer and Benson Boone, who has had a recent rise to fame as an opener for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, have performed at the event. Martz stated that this year, Red Hot & Boom wanted to highlight local artists to showcase the wide variety of talent and entertainment in the Central Florida area.
“We are on the international stage for a lot of technology, but we are going to pivot our show to local talent,” Martz said. “So all of the bands that you come to see are going to be your neighbors and people who are coming to Central Florida to make a name for themselves.”
Another change this year will be seen with the fireworks show, which will begin at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. According to Martz, nearby construction along Cranes Roost Lake has led the size of the fireworks, and their height, to be lessened to adhere to state fire codes. However, Martz assures that the impact of the show will remain the same, if not heightened, as 15,000 fireworks will be shot every 10 seconds.
“As development continues to occur, we’re going to continue to evolve,” Martz said. “The intent for us is to continue putting on an incredible regional show.”
Zellers also advises that those attending Red Hot & Boom and in Seminole County be aware of firework safety. According to Zellers, there are around 10,000 firework-related injuries nationwide, with 25 percent coming from sparklers. Zellers said several fires were caused in Seminole County last year by improper firework disposal, so safety precautions must be considered. Red Hot & Boom attendees will not be permitted to bring personal fireworks or sparklers to the event as a safety measure.
Red Hot & Boom attendees should be aware that paramedics will be present in case of any medical emergency. Light poles surrounding Cranes Roost Park will be numbered. In case of a medical emergency or need of assistance, Dipaola advises attendees to call 911 and locate the nearest pole, as this will expedite response time. Dipaola also encourages attendees to download the app See Something Say Something to report suspicious activity, or to call 855 and be directed to the FLA safe number.
Free parking for this event can be found at the Altamonte Mall and surrounding areas. Helpful traffic tips and maps, as well as information regarding prohibited items and restrooms, can be found on the City of Altamonte Springs website.
–July 1, 2024–
