SAN DIEGO —
Following two years without them, SeaWorld San Diego will once again present fireworks shows throughout the summer. The fireworks displays were once a staple of summer in San Diego, but not everyone wants to see the theme park bring them back.
While the park says they will be back because of requests from the public, some San Diegans have voiced concerns over noise and pollution.
Tim Boyles who lives next to SeaWorld says his dogs don't have a problem but he understands the concerns of other pet owners.
"We have two dogs and our dogs literally watch the shows with us, but I do understand the dog argument," Boyles said.
Some dog owners worry the loud booms and crackles will scare their pups.
"We are in Mission Valley and we still her enough that she gets scared at night," said dog owner Teri Poss.
SeaWorld fought environmentalists who cited pollution concerns for years on the fireworks.Two years ago as SeaWorld was undergoing changes to is image - such as removing its orca shows - the park halted its nightly summer pyrotechnic show with the exception of holidays and replaced it with a laser show "Electric Ocean."
SeaWorld spokesperson Dave Koontz gave News 8 the following statement on the return of the summer fireworks:
“We’ve received continued feedback from our guests and the public wishing to see our fireworks displays again, as they really miss them. We decided to bring them back this year as a summer Saturday celebration through the Labor Day weekend. There is no change to our Electric Ocean nighttime summer program. It takes place each night.”
SeaWorld San Diego hasn’t said if the fireworks will return annually, but the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the park is also looking into a nighttime aerial light show using drones. Koontz confirmed that the park is exploring “the possibility a drone light show” but said there were no details to share just yet.
“We are always looking at potential new and exciting experiences for our guests. We have had some informal discussions with the coastal commission to date,” Koontz stated.
Click here for a schedule of SeaWorld San Diego fireworks shows in 2019.
