COCOA BEACH -- The bad economy has poured cold water on a Central Florida tradition. There will be no Independence Day fireworks on the sands of Cocoa Beach this year.
Ciity manager Charles Billias said the display, which costs up to $70,000, was just too expensive this year.
Last year's fireworks display was among the biggest in Central Florida, lasting a half hour.
Despite offers for monetary help from the county and area businesses, the price tag was still too much for the small town.
"The barges that we've rented in the past -- we've been renting them from Jacksonville -- that cost is anywhere from $28,000 to $30,000," Billias said.
Billias said a decision on next year's display would have to be made soon, as it takes about a year to plan the event.
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