TAMPA, Fla. -- Fourth of July crowds in downtown Tampa walked away largely disappointed after a fireworks show they say was underwhelming.
- Crowds largely disappointed with downtown Tampa fireworks
- Short show left people wanting more
- Show presenters indicated that lightning may have played a role in short show
Thousands of people packed the Riverwalk for the show that lasted only a few minutes.
Not many in the crowd were happy with the show as they left the area after the 8-minute show. This is the second 4th of July in a row people have left disappointed after the downtown Tampa fireworks.
There was lightning in the area Wednesday night so it is not known if that played a role in the short show. Other people said the downtown buildings got in the way of clearly seeing the show from along the Riverwalk vantage point.
This year's event was not sponsored by the City of Tampa but put on by the group "Friends of the Riverwalk."
In a Facebook post, the group said: "Thanks to all who came out to watch the fireworks show. The show started at 8:55pm Because there was lightning heading towards downtown. The show lasted over 8 minutes and ended with a wonderful grand finale. Happy Independence Day."
But for people who drove downtown and then paid for parking, the finale was less than grand.
"It was like disappointing kind of because I was expecting some really cool fireworks but when I saw they were really little I was like meh," said one attendee.
Another review: "It was over in a blink of an eye it was five minutes not even, ridiculously short."
So, now, after two years of problematic 4th of July fireworks downtown, will the show be back in Tampa next year?
Meanwhile, storms forced the cancellations of fireworks shows in Temple Terrace and St. Petersburg.