Despite ‘surprise’ deductible, Apopka opts for fireworks insurance for Fourth of July

Jun. 21--A year after Apopka's Independence Day fireworks fizzled in the rain, the City Council made sure to renew insurance to cover this year's show.

But the policy came with a surprise -- a deductible, which made city leaders think twice.

"With an $8,320 deductible I'm not sure it makes sense," Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson said after reviewing the contract.

Previous policies didn't include a deductible provision requiring the city to pay 10% of the financial loss in case of cancellation.

Heavy rains washed out Fourth of July fireworks shows in several Florida cities a year ago, including Apopka and DeBary -- and insurance spared Apopka a $25,000 bill.

City officials said last year's losses led their insurer to require deductibles in this year's policies.

The city plans to stage a $20,000 fireworks show at the Northwest Recreation Complex as part of its free festivities.

The show was a dud in the rain a year ago, prompting Mayor Bryan Nelson to post an apology on the city Facebook page and call out the vendor, Creative Pyrotechnics.

The fireworks company, based in Vero Beach, filed for bankruptcy protection four months ago. It owed Apopka, DeBary and other creditors a collective $632,000.

The company's assets totaled $222,000 in the filing, including fireworks inventory, according to documents signed by its owner/president, Elwood Weppel.

Apopka's show this year includes fireworks and a concert by Stereo FM, an Orlando-based cover band.

Total expenses for this year's event are estimated at about $50,000.

Fireworks are the event's biggest cost.

The city also is forking out $15,784 for entertainment, $1,265 for kids' inflatables and $850 for portable toilets.

In addition to buying event insurance, Apopka officials also tweaked their payment routine to protect the city.

Unlike past years, when the city paid for fireworks up front, they won't cut a check for fireworks until the day of the show, Apopka City Administrator Edward Bass said.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the council's decision.

Stephen Hudak can be reached at [email protected] or 407-650-6361.

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