Race to raise money for FMB 4th of July fireworks amps up

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FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- With under two months until the Fourth of July, the race to raise money for a popular Fort Myers Beach fireworks show is on.

Only WINK News talked to a business owner who is challenging the community to pay up.

“I do have a check for $1,000 to go towards the fireworks display,” said the owner of Silver Sands Beach Resort, Andrea Carriere.

Carriere is committed to making sure the Fourth of July fireworks show happens this year. She is now challenging other business owners to donate as well. Within minutes, the owner of Mermaid and the Beached Whale accepted, agreeing to give $1,000 each.

“I put this out for every business person on this island to match it so we can have the fireworks for New Years and Fourth of July,” said Carriere.

In all, $30,000 is needed for the Fourth of July show.

“Believe council when they don’t want to have to fund it. Believe businesses are going to come up with the funding to do this, but just in case, donate yourself,” said David Anderson with BORCAB.

So far only about $11,000 has been raised. The group at Bay Oaks Recreation Park is putting on the show and says if more businesses don’t step up to help, it plans to ask the town for help in coming up with the rest.

“If they had a decent amount they came up with, I would definitely pay for the remainder,” said Council member Summer Stockton.

Stockton says if she had to vote today, she would vote to help.

“I feel like the town should pay for Fourth of July because it’s an important holiday and businesses and people want new years, they pay for it,” said Stockton.

The group will go in front of council next week. If you would like to donate you can contact Bay Oaks Recreation Park at 239-765-4222 or bring a check down to 2731 Oak St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.

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