Eustis fireworks to take place Friday despite increases in COVID-19 in Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — The city of Eustis is still planning on a Fourth of July fireworks show, despite a steady increase in cases throughout Lake County since June 1.

Lake County’s cases have increased from 304 cases on June 1 to, now, 1,235.

Read: SeaWorld announces 4th of July fireworks shows with social distancing measures in place

“The cases were low in the very beginning, and we’re starting to see a big increase,” Eustis Mayor Michael Holland said.

But despite that increase, Holland said the city still plans to have its Fourth of July fireworks show on Friday.

“We’re trying to protect our citizens, we’re also trying to give our citizens hope that they can get back out and they can celebrate special events within our country as long as they do it in a responsible way,” Holland said.

Fourth of July celebrations: Which Central Florida events are canceled due to the pandemic?

Eyewitness News talked with Lake County Emergency Manager Tommy Carpenter about whether or not it was a good idea to still have the fireworks show given the recent spike in numbers.

And since many other shows around the area have been canceled, Eustis may see even more people than usual.

Read: Daytona Beach businesses worry mask mandate will hurt bottom line

“That’s going to be up to the city of Eustis,” Carpenter said. “From what I’ve seen, they have pared it down … . I don’t think they’re going to have vendors or music, but they’re going to have the opportunity for fireworks.”

Dozens of people lined up at the Lake County fairgrounds today for a food giveaway.

© 2020 Cox Media Group