SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – The Fourth of July is famous for fireworks lighting up the night, but it’s important to know some changes in the law.
The Fourth of July is famous for its fireworks. Many people rush to the stores to buy them during this time of year.
“4th of July is our busiest time of year, and then New Year’s is our next best holiday for us,” Sky King Fireworks Managing Member, Dustin Luer said.
But while they’re fun to look at, they’re also dangerous.
“Usually, this is the time we’re concerned with residents and visitors to Sarasota County being safe,” Assistant Fire Chief of Sarasota County, Michael Hartley said. “We do have an increase in calls. Unfortunately, we’ve had fireworks land on roofs before when it was dryer.”
Hartley says burn injuries can be significant.
“Sparklers burn at 1,500-degrees up to 3,000-degrees,” Hartley said. So you can have some severe injuries.”
Some safety precautions include making sure you’re sober, ensuring you’re at a safe distance from others, not holding a lit firework in your hand, and keeping them away from dry grass.
“Have adult supervision,” Hartley said. “Obviously have some kind of extinguishing agent whether it’s an extinguisher or a bucket of water hand.”
Last year, Governor Ron DeSantis made it legal for people to purchase fireworks on three holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the 4th of July. But the county has a different rule.
“Sarasota has an enacted an ordinance that supersedes that restricts it further in Sarasota County, and that’s they’re only allowing those sparkler type fireworks or those that stay on the ground that don’t explode,” Hartley said.
The Sky King Fireworks in Sarasota has specific waivers for you to sign if you *do* purchase the big fireworks.
“Every one of our products has a warning label and safety instructions on them and tells you the safest way to light them,” Luer said. “And we also have pamphlets that we hand out to customers that want them which shows you exactly how to light any product you may buy from us.”
You can watch Sarasota Fireworks licensed displays at Siesta Key Beach, the Sarasota Bayfront Park or Marina Jack, and at Venice Beach, South of the Jetty.
