Town council accepts private donation to cover Fort Myers Beach July 4 fireworks

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously accepted a donation offered by local developer Matt Price to cover the remaining costs to ensure the town’s Fourth of July fireworks display goes forward in 2025.

During Tuesday’s public comment period Matt Price (Seagate) offered to fund the shortfall for the holiday display, telling council the contribution aligns with his firm’s ongoing community support in the area. Price described prior Seagate contributions, including a walking path near Fort Myers Beach Elementary School, donated land for school events and pro bono construction and fundraising work for local nonprofit organizations.

Town attorney Nancy (last name not stated in the public record) confirmed staff had reviewed the legal status of the donation and saw no legal barriers to acceptance. The mayor asked for a motion and Councilor Stafford moved to accept the donation, Councilor Woodson seconded. The council conducted a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous approval.

Transcript comments placed the amount “about $47,000 and change” as the balance the donor intended to cover to keep the celebration funded. Town staff will record the donation and the council’s acceptance in the official minutes and follow standard gift acceptance procedures.

The council did not change the format or management of the fireworks event itself during the vote. Price said he initially preferred to make the contribution anonymously but instead presented the offer publicly at the town attorney’s advice. Council members thanked Price and town staff for moving the event forward.

The acceptance was made at the meeting with a final roll call: Councilor Safford, Councilor Woodson, Vice Mayor Aderholt, Councilor King and the mayor all voted “aye.”