ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Altamonte Springs’ “Red Hot & Boom” event kicked off Thursday with a downpour of rain and thunder.
“I told them it was gonna rain. Nobody listened to me,” Orlando resident Kari said.
He said his family checked the forecast before heading out.
His mother, Mionca Warren, added, “Rain, snow, hail or sleet — we outside.”
Despite the storm, they all decided to stick with their plans.
“It’s Florida, man—it can happen any day. The weather is unpredictable. When you show up to an event, just bring everything. Keep your jacket in the car," said Kari’s father, Charles Hylick.
Once the skies cleared, the celebration resumed.
According to the city of Altamonte Springs, about 200,000 people were expected to attend Red, Hot & Boom, many looking forward to the fireworks show.
Altamonte Springs resident Kendra Smith said, “We always get this every year, and it stops. It should be done about 9 o’clock — get ready for some fireworks.”
Other Independence Day events were also underway Thursday across Central Florida, including in Mount Dora, Baldwin Park, and Port Canaveral. So far, no fireworks displays have been delayed or canceled.
Frank Martz, city manager of Cranes Roost Park, stated, “We’re gonna shoot the most dense and intense fireworks anywhere in the state.”
Event organizers and attendees alike reminded everyone to prepare for the heat by bringing water, towels, and a change of clothes to stay cool during the festivities.