Palm Beach once again will co-sponsor West Palm Beach’s Fourth of July fireworks display.
But this year, the Town Council’s discussion about participating lacked the fiery tone of last year’s.
The council voted unanimously to co-sponsor the annual 4th on Flagler event on July 4, 2026, with a $12,000 contribution that received unanimous approval at the April 14 meeting.
The measure passed quickly and with little discussion — a contrast to the robust conversation last year led by then-Council President Bobbie Lindsay, who officially retired at the beginning of the April 14 meeting. At the meeting in March 2025, Lindsay expressed concerns about the environmental effects of the fireworks, and encouraged Mayor Danielle Moore to send a letter to West Palm Beach suggesting alternatives.
This year’s 4th on Flagler coincides with the national America250 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In Moore’s letter sent last year to West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, she noted that traditional fireworks “have well-documented environmental consequences,” pointing to air and water pollution, plastic and metal waste, and effects on wildlife and domesticated animals.
Moore during this year’s swift approval said that Palm Beach residents love the 4th on Flagler, which takes place over the lagoon between the Flagler Memorial and Royal Park bridges. The lagoon is part of the Intracoastal Waterway, and Palm Beach residents often view the fireworks from the Lake Trail or from the backyards of lakefront homes.
Council Member Julie Araskog acknowledged the environmental concerns, prompting newly selected Council President Ted Cooney to note, “With apologies to Bobbie.”
The April 14 meeting was Lindsay’s final council meeting before her retirement after 10 years on the council. Newly elected Council Member Nicki McDonald was sworn in, along with Council President Pro-Tem Lew Crampton, who was re-elected, and Bridget Moran, who faced no opposition for her seat.
West Palm Beach estimates that more than 100,000 people attend the 4th on Flagler each year, according to documents provided to the council. The co-sponsorship includes benefits such as having the town’s logo placed on sponsor boards at the event and 14 tickets to the VIP hospitality area, which this year will be positioned along the seawall across from the Great Lawn at West Palm’s Waterfront on South Flagler Drive.
The city once more plans to broadcast the celebration in a live 30-minute special on WPBF, the local ABC affiliate on Channel 25, West Palm Beach marketing consultant Cinde Martin said in a letter to the town requesting the sponsorship renewal.
Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach OKs co-sponsorship for West Palm’s 4th on Flagler fireworks
Reporting by Kristina Webb, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
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