Drones out, July 4th fireworks return to Redondo Beach
by Garth Meyer Last year a drone show replaced Redondo Beach’s July 4th fireworks because of new environmental laws. Tuesday night, the council voted 4-0 to bring back the traditional show for 2024. The city will contract with Garden State Fireworks (Long Hill Township, N.J.), which has been in the business since 1890, for a barge-based show. It will also work with PI Environmental Consultants to ensure the fireworks are in compliance with the new State Water Board regulations. “We are very confident that we can acquire the permit,” said Cameron Harding, community services director. The 2024 fireworks contract is for $119,171, a significant jump in price – almost double what it would have been last year – due to inflation and the extra cost of the environmental consultant. To do a drone show again this year was estimated to cost between $30,000 for 100 drones and $120,000 for 300 drones. Last year’s show had 200. Garden State Fireworks representative Steve Jeffiries told the council, over Zoom, he is confident his fireworks show will be in compliance with the State Water Board. “98% of what we use is biodegradable and we limit as much as possible what goes in the water,” he said…
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