Redondo Beach 4th of July Fireworks Canceled Due To New County Rules

REDONDO BEACH, CA — New rules implemented by the Los Angeles Water Board forced Redondo Beach city officials to cancel the yearly fireworks show over the ocean for 2023, the city announced Thursday.

The new rules, adopted on May 25 this year, require officials to submit a new safety permit for fireworks launched on or near the ocean. This change prompted Redondo Beach's fireworks display vendor, Pyro Spectacular, to pull out from doing the show due to concerns about the potential for legal action, city officials said.

"We have determined that we cannot safely comply with the General Permit requirements without endangering our crews, emergency personnel, the public, and others involved in the event,” Pyro Spectacular told the city.

Redondo Beach city staff said they communicated with Board officials after the rule change, and confirmed that the requirements can be met and the permit attained. However, Pyro Spectacular remained unwilling to produce a barge-based show under the new requirement, the city said.

City officials explored many alternatives to keep the nearly 70-year tradition alive, including attempting to find a different vendor to fill the vacated space or holding the event at an inland location instead.

"Unfortunately, due to the short notice, the City was unable to secure an alternate licensed vendor to produce the show," officials said.

In place of the fireworks show, the city will instead hold an Independance Day Celebration at the Seaside Lagoon that will include family-friendly activities and music. Snow cones and activities will be free, with a DJ on site for music and dancing, and a photo booth.

The event will be locates at 200 Portofino Way and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on July 4. Tickets for adults cost $8 and children's tickets for kids 3 years old or older cost $6.