More than 150,000 people packed this year's
Channel 9's Karla Ray has learned that officials with the nearby Altamonte Mall could ask leaders to find a new location for the annual celebration. They are citing safety concerns.
Just days after this year's event, an email was sent to the Altamonte Police Department asking whether the crowds are a safety issue for nearby businesses.
The music, fireworks and festivities have drawn crowds to
But as the celebration has grown, so has the crowd.
"From when it started, it's huge now. It's 150,000
Concerns about those crowds spilling over into the nearby Altamonte Mall parking lot could lead to changes.
The email, sent by the director of mall security to police, says there are serious concerns regarding event logistics and suggests that it is possible the event has outgrown the venue.
It said that now is now the time to review areas of potential liability and said the Dillards store is no longer open when "Red, Hot and Boom" is taking place. It also said that this year the AMC movie theater was forced to close because of crowds.
"Every year, we look at something like that and we re-evaluate it. I don't think it's there," Pelton said.
Police said there were six fights, a dozen disturbances and five arrests at this year's event.
Channel 9 also learned that Seminole County sheriff's deputies arrested three juveniles after two of them were seen holding what appeared to be a shotgun or rifle wrapped loosely in a jacket. They were taken into custody as they were about to walk into the large crowd.
"When you get 150,000 people, unfortunately you're going to have one or two people who are going to break the law, and that's where that arrest stemmed from," Pelton said.
Channel 9 was told that mall managers have requested a meeting with city officials to discuss the future of "Red, Hot and Boom."
ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Altamonte Mall officials sent Channel 9 the following statement:
Statement in response to the inquiry regarding Red, Hot and Boom!:
The email correspondence was the beginning of a dialogue between business partners, all of whom have a vested interest in continuing to successfully host the growing Red, Hot and Boom! event. It is common practice for partners to regroup after an event of this size to review best practices, opportunities for improvement and general points of consideration to guide future plans for the event. Altamonte Mall has participated fully in this event for a number of years, and as stated in the email, we look forward to continuing that participation and partnership with the city of Altamonte Springs and the police department, always with a focus on creating the best possible experience for our visitors and our community.
Ted Newkirk
General Manager
Altamonte Mall
WFTV
