Tampa's annual New Year's Eve fireworks display, traditionally held at Channelside, is being moved temporarily this year to Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park.
- Move due to ongoing construction at Channelside
- Friends of the Riverwalk arranged for park use
- Expected to be largest fireworks display in Tampa Bay area
A portion of Channelside was recently torn down to make room for a new waterfront park and the Water Street Tampa development. Event organizers said the construction would be a problem because it reduces occupancy levels and restricts visibility.
With the support of Channelside and the City of Tampa, Friends of the Riverwalk arranged for the use of the park instead.
"We've been doing this fireworks show in downtown Tampa for so long, and for many this is a tradition for them, so even though Channelside is under construction, the community just did not want to let this year go by because of that," said Jason Carroll with Friends of the Riverwalk.
Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park will be used as a family-friendly, alcohol-free firework viewing area beginning at 10:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The fireworks go off at midnight.
In order to accommodate the maximum number of people in the park, there will not be any food or beverage vendors or entertainment.
"However, the Riverwalk will be open," Carroll said. "All of the places along the Riverwalk are still open for business. There's hotels, restaurants, bars all along there that you can go to before and after the fireworks. The Marriott Waterside is right next door and they're going to have quite a few components outside of their hotel for you to enjoy while you're down here."
Organizers said this year's display will be bigger and taller, so it will be viewable at the park.
People who've attended the event at Channelside in the past said it wouldn't feel like New Year's without fireworks downtown.
"I would have definitely been upset if it had been canceled," said Madison Pickard. "It's something that brings a lot of people into the area. I feel like no matter where it is, people will still show up, so that's exciting."
It is expected to be the largest fireworks display in Tampa. There is no cost to the public to view the show at Cotanchobee Park.