The Bridgeport Police Department has pulled the plug on the annual Midway Carnival set to begin in Seaside Park.

The carnival will not open for the first time in 15 years after Police Chief Bryan Norwood denied the operating permits. Norwood says he cannot in good faith sign any permits with Seaside Park?s history of violence. He says a fatal shooting at the carnival last year coupled with the city?s latest homicide has made him uncomfortable with signing off on the event.

Carnival managers, who started setting up for the festivities Monday, say there is no anecdotal evidence of any real problems related to the carnival. In the meantime, the Harboryard Carnival will open Thursday night in Bridgeport.