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Council approves Juneteenth festival contracts including fireworks and A/V after budget clarifications
Summary
Council approved several Juneteenth event contracts and invoices — $4,000 for audio/visual, $9,500 for fireworks, and payments for rides — after members clarified that the expenses would come from the STARS program budget rather than the city general fund.
The Fort Myers City Council approved vendor contracts and invoices for the city’s Juneteenth festival on June 21, 2025, after clarifying which budget would cover the expenses.
Council considered three related consent items: a $4,000 invoice for audio and visual services with BAAM Productions, a contract for a $9,500 fireworks display with Zimbelle Fireworks Manufacturing Company, and a $6,241 quote for amusement rides and games with Family 1st Events and Rentals. Councilmember Fred Berson questioned why fireworks were funded for Juneteenth when the city had not funded Fourth of July fireworks in recent years. Parks director Elgin Hicks explained the proposals came from community stakeholders and that the STARS program budget, not the general fund, would cover the items. Councilmember Boushey confirmed the items were taken from the STARS budget.
Following discussion, Councilmember Watson moved the items and Councilmember Watkins Brown seconded. The clerk conducted roll-call votes; the measures passed with recorded yes and no votes and the mayor voting in favor. Councilmember Berson voted against some items, reiterating concerns that event funding should be proportional across city celebrations. Officials noted that designating Juneteenth as a recognized city holiday earlier in the year shaped community expectations for this event.
