Nothing says the Fourth of July like fireworks. But if you’re planning to celebrate in Naples, it’s important to know what’s legal, what’s not and how to stay safe.
Collier County commissioners officially lifted the burn ban June 10, which had been in effect since Feb. 11 due to drought conditions. The decision came after a drop in the drought index, recent rainfall and support of local fire chiefs.
Some city ordinances also restrict fireworks use. In Naples, Ordinance 24-202 bans all fireworks (including sparklers) on beaches, in parks, at the Naples Pier and at beach access points west of Gulf Shore Boulevard. Marco Island also prohibits all fireworks.
Under Florida law, fireworks are legal only on July 4, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Using them any other time without a permit is a first-degree misdemeanor. Sparklers, though typically allowed under state rules, are subject to local bans and any burn bans.
“Sparklers reach a temperature of 1200 degrees and can cause serious injury,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz of North Collier Fire Rescue. “They account for nearly 1/4 of the emergency room visits nationally on the 4th of July.”
Both CCSO and North Collier Fire Rescue recommend watching professional shows instead.
“Each year, we encourage our visitors and residents that the safest thing to do is to leave fireworks to the professionals and attend one of the many events happening in Collier County and/or Southwest Florida,” Mazurkiewicz said.
If you do light fireworks, officials urge using them outdoors, keeping water nearby, never re-lighting duds and keeping kids and pets at a safe distance.
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Planning fireworks in Naples for the Fourth? Here’s what’s banned and what’s allowed
Reporting by Mickenzie Hannon, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
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