PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A slow economy wasn't enough to put out the spark Friday night at the St. Pete Pier and in other communities.

For several weeks leading up to today's Fourth of July holiday, the prospects didn't look good for fireworks in numerous Bay area communities, including St. Pete Beach, which originally canceled its annual fireworks show citing city budget cuts.

Business owners there were disappointed and concerned.

For some hotel owners on the beach, the Fourth of July is among the busiest time of the summer. Alden Beach Resort General Manager Tony Satterfield said there could have been long term effects if the fireworks fizzled out.

"I don't think it would have affected business this year but I think it would have next year,' he said. "People would have gone, 'Oh that's the place that doesn't have fireworks."

Residents and business owner got together and bankrolled the holiday pyrotechnic show through private donations.

About $20,000 was raised in just two weeks, enough for tonight's fireworks show to go on.

The Chamber of Commerce said this means an estimated 100,000 residents and tourists in town for the Fourth of July will be able to view them from the Don Cesar, Tradewinds Resort and Historic Corey shopping district.

Other communities that raised donations for firework shows are Tarpon Springs, John's Pass and Treasure Island. But not all of the usual shows could be saved.

Firework displays in Plant City and Redington Beach were canceled.

Lake Wales opted to save money and have their fireworks display a day late.