SANFORD, Florida – A lightning strike from a powerful summer thunderstorm hit fireworks that were already set up for the City of Sanford’s Fourth of July celebration, causing them to ignite and explode prematurely, according to Mayor Art Woodruff.
What happened Friday evening, July 4
At approximately 5:30 p.m. local time, a severe thunderstorm swept through Sanford, located in Central Florida, striking a palm tree with lightning. According to the mayor, the electrical surge traveled through the fireworks’ control board, sparking an unexpected detonation. Several of the fireworks already in position went off before the scheduled time.
The Sanford Police Department and Mayor Woodruff confirmed that no one was injured or killed in the explosion. However, due to the damage caused by the surge and subsequent blast, the city had to cancel the evening’s fireworks display, originally set to begin at 9:15 p.m., as part of the “Star Spangled Sanford July 4th on The Riverwalk” event.
What officials said
In a short video statement posted to Facebook, a spokesperson for the Sanford Police Department said the celebration would still go on with live music, food vendors, and family activities, but without the fireworks. The spokesperson also noted that much of the launching equipment was damaged in the explosion.
Bianca Gillett, speaking on behalf of the police, added: “We still want everyone to come out and celebrate safely. Enjoy the great food, the entertainment — but please do not bring your own fireworks. They are not allowed at the event.”
What remains unclear
It’s still unknown how many fireworks were set off or the full extent of the damage to the pyrotechnic systems. City officials have not yet confirmed whether an investigation will be launched, or whether the vendor or the city will evaluate the failure and consider system changes for future events.
The setting of the event
The “Star Spangled Sanford July 4th on The Riverwalk” is one of the most anticipated annual events in Central Florida, taking place along Sanford’s scenic Riverwalk in the city’s historic downtown. It typically draws large family crowds with live music, food trucks, kids’ zones, and a fireworks finale, which this year was unexpectedly canceled. Despite the storm, people began gathering at Fort Mellon Park around 6:00 p.m., enjoying the parts of the event still open to the public.
The temperature in Sanford during the late afternoon of Friday, July 4, hovered around 91°F (33°C), with high humidity pushing the heat index close to 99°F (37°C) — ideal conditions for the formation of intense inland thunderstorms, common this time of year in Florida.
