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'Boom by the Bay' lights up Tampa sky with city's largest fireworks display

By and
Updated  July 4, 2022 9:50pm EDT
Tampa
FOX 13 News

Boom by the Bay lights up Tampa sky

Jordan Bowen reports

TAMPA, Fla. - It was a Boom by the Bay unlike any other. The City of Tampa's largest fireworks display ever lit up the night sky across Bayshore Boulevard Monday evening in front of a patient, but excited crowd ringing in their Fourth of July in true Tampa Bay fashion. 

Event organizers promised that, without a doubt, this year's Boom by the Bay was going to be one of the biggest parties of the day. 

This year, Tampa city officials hired a new fireworks company. Last year, a computer malfunction from the former vendor forced the fireworks to be delayed by 25 minutes. So not only did organizers promise an on-time firework show, but the fireworks display was as high as 600 feet – which is taller than the highest building in downtown Tampa. 

Mayor Jane Castor kicked off the festivities at 4 p.m. with a hot dog eating contest at Armature Works. Rain poured as 25 contestants from across the Bay competed for the grand prize, a $500 gift card to Armature Works.

"We've just been through a lot over the last few years," Castor said. "We just wanted to ensure that the community could come together and celebrate like we've never been able to. We're going to make up for lost time."

Mark Wilson plays national anthem on guitar

FOX 13's Mark Wilson is best known as a news anchor, but did you know he's also a talented musician? For the 4th of July, he gave us a look at the new FOX 13 Good Day Tampa Bay studio while playing the national anthem on his EVH Woflgang guitar.

Meanwhile, Sparkman Wharf was buzzing with people decked out in their Red, White and Blue. The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team wowed crowds with special stunts and tricks on the water. The entertainment continued with live music, food trucks and boat parade to celebrate Tampa Bay Lightning's third trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

READ: In heartbreaking loss, Lightning still made Tampa Bay proud to 'Be the Thunder'

"They worked so hard. I've seen all the games. I'm like 'you guys put up a good fight'. There's always room for improvement for next year. I know for a fact you all can get it 100% next year," Bolts fan Lindsey Craig said.

Monday night, security was also top of mind after a gunman opened fire on a Fourth of July parade near Chicago killing six people and wounding more than two dozen others.

MORE: 6 dead, 30 wounded in shooting at Chicago-area July 4 parade

"To have something like an Independence Day parade marred by gun violence is a very sad commentary. We take security incredibly serious," Castor said.

Officers with the Tampa Police Department were stationed at various locations across the city working with the FBI to make sure the city was safe from any threats.

For those who can't make it out to downtown Tampa, the fireworks show will be streamed on the city's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofTampa.