Laguna Beach's 4th Of July Suffers Coronavirus Complications

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Emerald Bay Community Association announced earlier this month that there will be no fireworks this year. Elsewhere in Laguna Beach, fireworks will also be dark over Independence Day.

Large gatherings were discouraged due to coronavirus, and the city canceled the fireworks displays, adhering to that plan, a report from the Laguna Beach Independent said.

According to that report, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Dicterow said that not having the 2020 July 4 fireworks show will keep neighbors from gathering close together during a time of social distancing.

Dicterow told the Independent that the city has placed public health above the Main Beach and Heisler Park fireworks shows.

On the city's facebook page, the announcement of the non-fireworks display was shared for all residents to see. Also, a reminder that "safe and sane" fireworks like sparklers, are illegal in Laguna Beach.

Going one step further, residents asked the city over their Facebook page whether officials felt beaches should be closed over the holiday weekend. The city answered with a resounding "yes" for the 4th of July, with possibility of closing Friday and Sunday, as well.

Others remarked that area pets would be grateful that the large fireworks displays would be halted this year.

What will you do instead of watching fireworks this July 4 in Laguna Beach? What do you think of the fireworks cancelation? Let us know by emailing your Patch editor: Ashley.Ludwig@Patch.com