Today’s newsletter is presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Happy Thursday, Beach and Bay!
The SeaWorld fireworks show is getting a new look, and sound. The California Coastal Commission recently approved SeaWorld’s request for nightly drone shows over the theme park, set to begin as early as mid-May 2026.
Residents have long raised concerns about the fireworks’ impact on the environment, as well as on families and pets, with loud displays going off nightly during the summer. Last year, SeaWorld was sued by San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation over pollution from fireworks debris landing in Mission Bay.
That lawsuit, along with ongoing pushback from neighbors, likely contributed to the shift. Under the new approval, the park can host up to 110 drone shows over the next year, with as many as 1,000 drones per show.
This doesn’t mean fireworks are going away permanently, but it is a conditional step in that direction. SeaWorld is required to monitor the drone shows for light and noise levels, as well as any potential impacts on birds and other wildlife.
I’m sure the neighborhood dogs will be very happy.
Decisions like this one show how much community voices matter in shaping what happens around our beaches and bay. Whether it’s environmental protection, quality of life or how we balance tourism with local impact, these conversations are happening because neighbors are paying attention and speaking up.
Ashlyn Lipori-Russie
Beach & Bay Press newsletter host
Beach & Bay story spotlight
California Coastal Commission greenlights SeaWorld drone shows
By Dave Schwab • Times of San Diego
The CCC voted unanimously in favor of drones versus fireworks at SeaWorld after presentations by staff and SeaWorld’s park president.
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