As the U.S. gears up for its 250th Independence Day celebration, a long-standing fireworks tradition in California is coming to an end. The California Coastal Commission has turned down a final attempt to continue the event, citing environmental issues related to protecting the bay.
John Morris, the event organizer, mentioned that over the past 14 years, they’ve raised around $2 million for children’s programs in Long Beach, and the July 3 event is funded entirely by the local community. “The community pays for everything,” he noted, explaining that they cover city fees and costs for police and fire services, totaling about $20,000. He believes that’s fair given that about 100,000 people attend to enjoy the fireworks.
Morris, who owns the Boathouse on the Bay restaurant, had big plans for this year’s display to mark the significant anniversary. However, the Coastal Commission staff rejected their proposal in January, and last week, commissioners unanimously supported that decision despite an appeal from local, state, and federal officials.
The regulators had warned Morris that, as of last year, 2025 would likely be the last year for the fireworks, pushing for organizers to consider drone shows, which they argue are more environmentally friendly. “They’re allowed to have fireworks for 40 nights in Mission Bay. I’m only asking for 20 minutes. It just doesn’t seem right,” Morris expressed.
Morris, who is 78, also questioned the environmental concerns that the committee referenced, pointing out years of testing related to the event. “We’ve tested the water before and after the fireworks, deploying robotic cameras into the bay to look for debris, and found none. It’s been clean,” he added. He also mentioned conducting bird reports for eight years, asserting that they have never harmed local wildlife.
A spokesperson for the Coastal Commission stated that permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing the need to protect the bay. Morris was informed that he could hold a drone show instead, but such an option would cost about $200,000—roughly four times more than traditional fireworks.
The situation feels frustrating for Morris and the community. He indicated that the absence of the fireworks display will impact local businesses and families who have come to cherish this annual tradition.
