Will fireworks return to Jax Beach next year?

A lot of pressure on just one night.

Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham says the success of the 4^th of July at the beach will weigh heavily on whether the city moves forward with bringing the fireworks back again next year.

The 2012 fireworks were cancelled over safety concerns because the prior year brought a number of problems. This year, there was an increase in the number of police both on the beach and standing by.

Latham says it’s about bringing a family friendly environment.

"The 4^th of July Jax Beach experience is all about celebrating our country. It's not about fireworks and beer, it's about enjoying true patriotic celebrations of the Navy band, celebrating veterans, having cotton candy, hot dogs, waving flags- that's what we want to do," he says.

So while the city has already held many public meetings on the safety of events like this, Latham says they will now start to zero in on how the night went, and whether there was in fact a safe environment that they can maintain.

I asked Latham whether the show will be back next year.

“We kinda take a one year at a time approach,” he says.

WOKV wants to know if you want to see the fireworks stick around and if you felt safe at the celebration. Weigh in on our Facebook page.