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Plant City Cancels July 4 Fireworks Show

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 22, 2008

PLANT CITY - Plant City Stadium will be quiet this Independence Day.
The community's annual Fourth of July celebration at the stadium has been canceled as a slow economy takes its toll on the businesses and civic groups that pay for the annual display.
The title sponsor for the last six years, Bill Heard Chevrolet, was unable to continue its support, a dealership spokesman said.
Bill Heard corporate representative Derek C. Fowler said in a statement, "Each day I am thankful for opportunities to fulfill requests for sponsorships from within our Plant City community. Faced with reduced resources, however, we are contributing smaller amounts to a larger cross section to support our children, sports, and education as well as local charities."
Plant City Recreation and Parks Department Director Jack Holland said Bill Heard contributed more than $160,000 over the past six years to cover the cost of the pyrotechnic display.
Other local businesses and clubs have been unable to make up the difference. Last year, the event cost about $74,000 to organize, including about $51,000 in sponsorships. This year's contributions are just $14,000.
Although this year's event has been scratched, supporters, including the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, hope to bring it back in 2009.

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