Fireworks Celebration Returns To Gables' Biltmore Hotel After Hiatus
CORAL GABLES (CBS4) - Forced to end their annual 4th of July fireworks show due to budget constraints, the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is bringing back the bang - literally.
The hotel, located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables, will put on the first fireworks spectacular since 2006 after an influx of funding from several sponsors.
"For financial reasons back during the recession it was tough," said Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason. "We had to cut back."
Once the recession eased up a bit, the city came up with a way to ensure the event could go on and not put funds in jeopardy.
"What we did is created an ordinance a while back so corporate sponsors could come in and get naming rights so thats made it possible for us to pay it all, or almost, with private funds and not taxpayer money," said Cason."I'm sure that after the success of tonight we're going to have companies clambering to be back next year and support Coral Gables fireworks."
Residents are thrilled they get to celebrate the holiday in their hometown.
"My aunt and I used to come here and get a room, and it was beautiful," said resident Susanne Jadis. "Its' a beautiful family affair."
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend, which will be highlighted by a performance by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band in the early evening, and of course the fireworks, which begin blasting off into sky at 9 p.m.
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