[PammyJ]

This will be our first July 4th in TV. Are there any firework displays nearby? Also, what are the rules for fireworks brought by grandchildren, sparklers, etc.
Thank you in advance for your help!

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by PammyJ

This will be our first July 4th in TV. Are there any firework displays nearby? Also, what are the rules for fireworks brought by grandchildren, sparklers, etc.
Thank you in advance for your help!

Leesburg & Ocala both have fireworks displays.
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Florida fireworks Q&A: What's legal — and not — for the Fourth
July 2, 2011|By Joseph Freeman, Orlando Sentinel
The Fourth of July is around the corner, a time many Americans observe their independence by sending tiny missiles into the sky, exploding miniature bombs and generally annoying their neighbors.

But most fireworks are illegal for consumer use in Florida, even if they're available for purchase — and that can make stocking up for celebrations confusing. Here are some answers about the do's and don'ts of fireworks in Florida.

What kinds of fireworks can I use legally?

The short answer: not many. Fireworks generally approved for use by consumers include sparklers; small fireworks that emit colored smoke only; and "glow worms," which burn in bright colors without exploding. The state fire marshal has a full list, including brand names, at myfloridacfo.com/sfm/sparklerindex.htm.

"These are the only items consumers without a permit can legally use," said Nina Ashley, a fire marshal's spokeswoman. Other, more high-powered fireworks are permitted only for industrial use or by professionals in public displays.

So everything else is off limits?

If it explodes, flies or lifts off, the law prohibits you from lighting it. That includes the popular Roman candles.

"There is no approved list of 'whiz, boom, bang or stuff that leaves the ground' for the retail public," said Bart Wright, the Maitland Fire Department's assistant chief of administration. "Florida Statute 791 is explicit about that. Consumer purchase and use of such material is unsafe, a threat and, most importantly, illegal in this state."

My area has a fireworks ban. What does that mean?

Despite recent rains, some counties and cities that have been coping with Florida's prolonged drought have banned for consumer use even the fireworks that are usually allowed, such as sparklers. In most cases, the bans don't apply to public shows. In Central Florida, Volusia, Osceola and Brevard counties had bans in effect as of Tuesday, according to the state's Division of Forestry.

If most fireworks are illegal, why are they so widely available?

A loophole in the law allows customers to buy them if they say they're intending to use the fireworks for lawful purposes, including certain uses in agriculture and mining. In stores, this can be as simple as filling out a form.

"When people go to a tent or one of those places where fireworks are available, you are asked to sign a waiver that you will use the items in compliance with state law," Ashley said.

My local fireworks tent has so many options. How can I tell which fireworks are legal?

Just ask. Sellers know the difference, and in many stores, consumer-approved items are clearly marked. Four Seasons/PyroSpot Fireworks, for example, has nine locations across Central Florida. Co-owner Kenneth Darrow said there are "Safe and Sane" sections in which to shop, and employees can help if you aren't sure.

What's the penalty for setting off illegal fireworks?

Florida law classifies it as a first-degree misdemeanor, which means those convicted could face up to a year in a prison, a $1,000 fine and court costs.

Every year in my neighborhood, there's a guy with enough firepower to entertain a small country. Why isn't he arrested?

Fire and public-safety officials say the law can be difficult to enforce.

"By the time we get there, whoever shot off the illegal fireworks is gone," said Orlando Police Department spokesman Vince Ogburn. "It's kind of hard to tell."

Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught noted that deputies become aware of illegal-fireworks use only after it occurs and rarely observe the violators.

"Have we ever arrested or cited someone for illegally shooting off fireworks? Yes, it has happened in the past, although sparingly."

Still, Volusia dispatchers fielded more than 100 calls about fireworks between July 3 and July 5 last year.

Is Florida more restrictive than most states when it comes to fireworks?

Although Florida makes most fireworks illegal, some states go even further. Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York have banned consumer use of all fireworks.

I've always heard that fireworks are dangerous, but what's the real risk?

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics show that in 2010, about 8,600 people ended up in hospital emergency rooms with injuries caused by both legal and illegal fireworks.

Its annual death and injury report on fireworks also showed that about 40 percent of injuries occurred to kids younger than 15. The commission reported three deaths related to fireworks.

In addition, the National Fire Protection Association says more fires are reported on July 4 in the U.S. than on any other day.

If I use legal fireworks, how can I stay safe?

Here are five basic safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

•Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't always realize that young children can be injured by sparklers, which burn at extremely high temperatures.

•Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

•Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

•Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

•After fireworks have burned, douse them with water before discarding them.

Winter Park fire Chief Jim White said that because even legal items burn at high temperatures and can lead to injury, "our encouragement to people is: Don't buy 'em, and go watch the professional displays."

[Vinny]

Then there is the the ever popular firing a gun into the air that seems to claim a life each year. Just no cure for stupid.

[dog friendly]

Where in Ocala and Leesburg will they have the fireworks? thank you

[DougB]

Sorry Pammy,
You probably didn't hear. Due to the dangers caused by fireworks, The Villages is closed to grandchildren that weekend. Probably best they stay home with their parents.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dog friendly

Where in Ocala and Leesburg will they have the fireworks? thank you

Watch the papers.

[LndLocked]

Originally Posted by dog friendly

Where in Ocala and Leesburg will they have the fireworks? thank you

Not sure about Ocala ( I looked online and did not really see anything for this year) but I will ask some Ocala residents I know.

The Leesburg ones are part of a day long gig that is held at Venetian Gardens on Lake Harris. Fireworks are shot off from a barge in the lake:

Event Details : Leesburg Events Calendar


Mt Dora also has some nice ones that are also done on a barge on Lk Dora.

Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We went to Leesburg last year. It was a nice old fashioned Fourth of July Celebration with a very nice fireworks display. We got there late because it looked like it might rain, but I believe that they had some activities for kids earlier.
Jenny really enjoyed it.

[cquick]

We are spending 3 nights at WDW. It will be busy, but it's become a tradition for us! I just wish we had a room at Bay Lake Tower the night of the 4th! But we'll be at Saratoga Springs, so it'll be just a bus ride away.....whoo hooo!

[Garden guru]

Originally Posted by DougB

Sorry Pammy,
You probably didn't hear. Due to the dangers caused by fireworks, The Villages is closed to grandchildren that weekend. Probably best they stay home with their parents.

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by Garden guru

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

Sadly, TV Entertainment stopped the parades around the squares. July 4th was a big one until this year. I thought there was going to be a parade sponsored by the some of the clubs. Call the Rec Dept to find out.

As to DougB's comment, he was trying to be funny. Part of the joy of TV is the visiting grandchildren. They are part of our magic.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Garden guru

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

This from Entertaiment site.

The Fourth Of July Celebrations - Market Square/Spanish Springs Paddock Square

Regreting that you moved to TV because there is no 4th of July celebration?
The recreation dept has nothing to do with entertainment, (they do support the parades).
Yes, go to any of the squares on the 4th...............you will see plenty of flag waving. No, talk is not cheap!

[DougB]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Sadly, TV Entertainment stopped the parades around the squares. July 4th was a big one until this year. I thought there was going to be a parade sponsored by the some of the clubs. Call the Rec Dept to find out.

As to DougB's comment, he was trying to be funny. Part of the joy of TV is the visiting grandchildren. They are part of our magic.

Sorry, didn't think anyone would take seriously.

[PammyJ]

Originally Posted by DougB

Sorry, didn't think anyone would take seriously.

Those of us who know you, don't! He was trying to talk me out of asking the grandkids to come up next week, hoping to have a quiet holiday! I am still asking!

[Bavarian]

Checkeing St. Tim's Buietin, they have a patriotic music concert before the 4th. Still in the County. We had beautiful fireworks, better than DC, but some Commisioners at the time dropped them for cost, even though we, the viewers, wlould have paid for them through admission to Fair Grounds and told them so and how. One fire dept has them this year on the 29th, and across the River in Solomons still big ones on the 4th, but heavy traffic. The River Concert on Friday nearest has fireworks.

Guess we will next year go to Ocala or other surrounding areas, or back to WDW. What else is bad? Should we keep our house in MD for awhile?