A lightning strike triggered the premature ignition of fireworks prepared for the City of Sanford’s Independence Day celebration on Friday, forcing officials to cancel the evening’s planned display. Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff said the bolt hit a palm tree near the launch site along Lake Monroe, sending an electrical surge into the control board and setting off a cache of pyrotechnics ahead of the scheduled 9:15 p.m. show. The blast destroyed launch equipment but caused no injuries, according to the Sanford Police Department. In a statement, the city stressed that “the safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority” and asked attendees not to bring personal fireworks to the venue. While the fireworks finale was scrapped, the broader “Star Spangled Sanford” festivities at Fort Mellon Park—including live music, food vendors and family activities—continued as planned until 9 p.m. Officials have not yet detailed the extent of the damage or whether an investigation will follow.