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Computer Glitch Caused Channelside Fireworks Failure

Fireworks | Celebration | Holiday

That’s the conclusion of an investigation by the company hired to provide the fireworks show for the Light Up Tampa Bay Independence Day celebration.

TAMPA – PYROTECNICO, the official aerial-fireworks display vendor for Channelside Bay Plaza, completed its investigation of the equipment failure that occurred during the recent 2017 Light Up Tampa Bay Independence Day Celebration.

“Our investigation has confirmed that a computer communication issue is what caused the equipment failure during the recent aerial-fireworks display at Channelside Bay Plaza for the 2017 Light Up Tampa Bay Independence Day Celebration,” said Chris Liberatore, PYROTECNICO vice president.

Rather than a dazzling non-stop display, the fireworks stopped and started leaving spectators wondering whether the show was over or not.

The cause was a computer crash that forced technicians to operate the show manually. The technician assigned to the event operated the system correctly and followed the necessary protocols both at the beginning of the display and throughout the equipment failure, the investigation showed. Despite performing properly during the pre-show tests, the computer communication issue impacted both the primary system and back-up system. The system has been isolated and will not be used again.

“At PYROTECNICO, we strive to create world-class productions that deliver the best experiences possible for our clients and their customers,” Liberatore said. “We offer our sincerest apologies to the city of Tampa and our client, Channelside Bay Plaza, and will do everything we can to ensure that this will not happen again.”

PYROTECNICO has offered to refund Channelside Bay Plaza a portion of its expenses for the unused product and loss in show value. The company will also be hosting a complimentary 10-minute aerial-fireworks display for the Channelside Bay Plaza 2017 Light Up Tampa Bay New Year’s Eve Celebration.

“We are glad that the issue has been addressed by PYROTECNICO,” said Darrah Winkler, marketing and events manager at Channelside Bay Plaza. “Our organization truly enjoys creating a vibrant atmosphere for the city of Tampa and the Channel District. Channelside Bay Plaza looks forward to working with PYROTECNICO on our 2017 Light Up Tampa Bay New Year’s Eve Celebration and continuing to host the area’s most exciting and unique lifestyle events.”

For information about Channelside Bay Plaza, go to channelsidebayplaza.com.

File photo does NOT depict fireworks at Channelside Bay Plaza.

Channelside Bay Plaza | Fireworks | Pyrotecnico | July 4 Fireworks | Tampa Bay News | TB Reporter

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