Fireworks Task Force On-Line Comments 12/20/07-1/3/08

Student

43. 
    Keep fireworks legal in Florida! Taking those away would be like taking the freedom of speech away from americans. We do firework displays to show that we are proud of our country, not to harm anyone or anything.
    

Full time student

44. 
    It is to my understanding people are trying to BAN the sale of fireworks in the state of Florida. are they harmful to your HEALTH? do they really impose that great of danger to society? when firework displays are properly set up with experienced personnel and properly supervised the chance of injury or anything going wrong is extremely slim. I've been setting off home firework displays for the past 10 years and have yet to have anything go wrong *knock on wood*. and we do 2 a year. one on the 4th and one on new years. it doesn't take much common sense to properly set off a firework SAFELY. actually it takes pretty much a complete total moron to mess it up. yes I understand fireworks are dangerous... so are a pair of scissors.. but a five year old can purchase those
    

45. 
    Leave the fire works alone. They are no more dangerous than driving down the road. Use responsibly.
    

46. 
    technically illegal in Florida to buy fireworks that shoot into the air or explode, but for years buyers and sellers have ignored the law with a wink. Personally, we have had our Florida neighbors shoot off fireworks in the street while drinking beer. The fireworks have landed on our home's roof and on our car. We have had to run out with the garden hose to keep our Florida home from burning. The next morning, burned fireworks litter the neighborhood. We moved -- we are still in the same county in Florida, and unfortunately people are still setting off fireworks illegally. There are concerns of fires starting with fireworks in rural areas, neighborhoods, cities, parks, grassy areas and anywhere there is combustible matter, homes, brush, bushes, trees, cars, trucks lawnmowers with gasoline, people, children, handicapped, elderly, pets, wildlife, livestock. Yes, we are all combustible, including our family, pets and animals. Illegal fireworks set off by people start fires. We do not want fires started. We do not want people or animals burned, killed or injured. It's pretty dry in Florida -- things will easily catch on fire. Ask any firefighter. Why risk the lives of Floridians, homeowners, firefighters, police, animals. It's already Florida's law. "Rainfall in the Tampa Bay area for the 12-month period ending Oct 21 was 8.2 inches less than historic averages, and average lake levels in the area are 1.36 FEET BELOW the lowest point of the normal range. Climatologists are predicting below-normal rainfall into the late spring or early summer." - Mike Salinero Tampa Tribune December 3, 2007 There are the elderly, sick, children, pets, wildlife and livestock that don't want to listen to the noise. Many are fearful of the noise and possible fire, which they have no power to control or protect themselves in and around their own homes. It's already Florida's law. There are plenty of opportunities for public patriotic display of fireworks, put on by professionals for everyone and their families to enjoy. There are safe public fireworks, parades and events for people to be patriotic and or party with no harm to others. Please enforce the laws that exist and stop the selling of fireworks to anyone and everyone in Florida, with a wink and a nod. Its the law. None of us want to continue live in fear of fire started by FIREWORKS. New Year's Eve is just around the corner -- will you protect us? Any consideration will be greatly appreciated.
    

47. 
    I would suggest the following: For the sparklers and other minor categories that only emit small light or smoke and do not make a report noise or fly, the term possession by someone 18 and over should also include "or be under the supervision of a responsible related person 18 and over." This would prevent enforcement on parent and grandparents who allow a child to hold a sparkler. Limit the days of non-professional or licensed dealer sales (typically the average citizen consumer who buys for July 4 and News Years at the tents) to no more than 2 weeks prior to the holiday. Include in the statute that all local ordinances related to licensing, business tax receipts, zoning, signage, fire, traffic and other local regulatory or development codes must also be adhered to. Failure of the operator or any employee to abide by these regulations are subject to a civil infraction fine in addition to any local ordinances not to exceed $500.00 per violation.
    

48. 
    I believe people have the right to choose for themselves whether or not to take the risks associated with fireworks. I do not believe that government should prohibit activities that are capable of being conducted in a reasonable and safe manner.
    

49. 
    you can't be serious?????? a license???? what next outlaw swimming pools???? why not just say aerials are illegal??? have some guts MORE KIDS CHOKE TO DEATH ON HOT DOGS THEN ANY TYPE OF FIREWORK PLEASE OUTLAW HOTDOGS NEXT
    

Florida Fireworks

50. 
    I am opposed to any further restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks in Florida. Over-regulation will simple increase the illegal and out-of-state fireworks sales, which leads to less control, not more. In my experience, Vendors in Florida are responsible and dilligent in their policies to insure safe purchase and use. Please do not burden these business owners with more regulation at a time when our economy needs stimulation. Warmest Regards - John
    

51. 
    To Whom may concern , we need to keep this stores open we got holidays like 4 of july , new year and few other the we like to use fireworks and see the events of fireworks in differents location of the state of florida please don't do this to the community . Thanks Julio Ortiz Jr.
    

52. 
    I just found out that the stores that sell fireworks are in risk of shut down all over the sate of Florida. I understand that some people might agree with the closing of this stores, but I would like to the stores to continued selling their products, because thats a way of families getting together to enjoy the fireworks in special occasions. I guess what I'm trying to say is to please don't shut down this stores. This will make a lot of people feel bad and things won't be the same when is time to celebrate. Thank You
    

53. 
    I want fireworks to continue to be sold in Florida. I understand the risks involved and understand and assume the responsibility for any injury to myself or property.
    

54. 
    To have a task force to be able to make all fireworks in Florida illegal is a waste of my tax dollars. You will be closing down many businesses that bring a good deal of revenue to Florida. If the people of Florida want to outlaw fireworks it should be voted upon not lobbied for by a anti-fireworks group. Fireworks are an AMERICAN way to celebrate. To outlaw fireworks is like putting a muzzle on the people of the United States Of America. It would be just un- american.
    

55. 
    Thank you for giving me the ability to make my feelings known on this subject. I am a private consumer and user of fireworks in Florida. I do agree that proper use of these items needs to be more fully identified in law and that fines and penelties should be established for the misuse or underage use of these products needs to be established. However, I don't think any of these products should be restricted from use. Regardless of some impassioned pleas about safety, health and fire concerns, I believe with the proper training, use guidlines, and rules established, all but the most extream elements of concerns can be met. Safety concerns can be met thru proper training given on an annual basis by the industry that can include a simple video demonstrating the safe use of fireworks, the established laws, and proper fire precautions to take. This can be tracked by the issuance of purchase I.D. cards in the same manner Phantom Fireworks curently uses for their "Premeir Members" with cards issued with expiration dates. All retailers must honor each others training cards so as to prevent retraining due to purchasing from differant retailers. Training videos may even be approved by all concerned if need be. Videos should be kept to no more than 30 minutes in length. The law can establish penelties for failure to take proper precautions and missuse of these products, and define the hours these products may be used. High risk of brush fires during dry weather can be addressed in the same manned as is for burning brush piles. I feel with the proper education, training & laws, all concerns can be met. Personal responsibility is the key, and holding persons accountalbe who use these products outside established standards is the answer to how to address this situation. Thank you for your time. Sincerly, Craig M. Kline
    

Consumer

56. 
    I am in favor of keeping fireworks in the state of Florida. We celebrate with them at every holiday and love the convenience of the short drive to Phanton Fireworks. It is a simple was to safely celebrate and have fun with family and friends. Please DO NOT discontinue the sale of fireworks in the state of Florida.
    

Phantom Fireworks

57. 
    Fireworks play a part in the American Heritage. By banning the use of them, you are denying future generations the right to that heritage that has been left to them.
    

58. 
    Fireworks have always been a tradition with my family.Please allow us to continue.The use of fireworks laws now on the books are more than addaquate,please do not change them.Thank you
    

59. 
    you shouldn't ban the selling of fireworks. it's tradition and just like everrything, if used incorrectly and irresponsibly can be potentially dangerous. If used correctly however, fireworks can give great memories with your family and friends. banning fireworks is like banning family celebrations; it's almost like telling everyone that they can't celebrate this holiday. It's downright stupid and it's not going to solve anything. Either way, people are still gonna do it. but no one should be prosecuted for carrying on an amazing tradition and watching beautiful fireworks in the sky at night. Think about it. You're making a huge mistake if you even consider the ban.
    

none

60. 
    I am totally against the effort to band or further control the sale of fireworks in the state of Florida. I believe this is another example of further intrusion of government an its attempt to control the freedoms of the indivivdual and ultimately eliminate the personal happiness and enjoyment of celebrating national holidays with fireworks. America's earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the United States. Fireworks and black powder were used to celebrate important events long before the American Revolutionary War. The very first celebration of Independence Day was in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the new nation would survive the war; fireworks were a part of those festivities. In 1789, George Washington's inauguration was also accompanied by a fireworks display. Fireworks have been a part of Americana for some time and I feel there is no need for their elimination of public use to celebrate an individual's national heritage.
    

61. 
    KEEP FIREWORKS AVAILABLE!!! I read in the paper the other day that it's illegal to ignite fireworks, and always has been. Apparently the law has just been overlooked for years, but now cities such as Cape Coral will be writing citations. This confuses me because for as long as I can remember I've seen firework stands and stores open to the public, especially around the holidays. Now if it's legal to sell to the public, why is it illegal for me to use a product that I just purchased (and paid sales tax on I might add)?? I don't believe that they are a threat to society or even drought conditions if used properly. So maybe instead of banning fireworks, there should be more information publically available about the safe use of the product, and possibly restrictions on the purchase. After all, we have to go to the pharmacy to get over the counter medications these days from people abusing products, same idea with fireworks increase restrictions for purchase if there is concern for abusing the product.
    

resident

62. 
    I don't see why you have to make fireworks illegal. It is just like so many other things that this country is coming too to control all our lives. Just like if we make guns illegal, only the illegal people will have guns, don't you think that people will still be able to get them, the only difference is, that people who currently have jobs selling the fireworks will now be out of a job. Every time, someone makes a law that controls how an individual runs his or her life, it takes away from the FREEDOM in which I take pride in this country for. I think that people who get on these focus type groups need to learn to take care of what is in thier own back yard and not worry about what is in the neighbors yard.
    

63. 
    banning fireworks makes no sence. Fireworks accidents happen, typically when people disregard safety rules or make bad decisions. The same could be said for accidents involving cars, swimming pools, guns, and trampolines. Which of these products will be banned next? Why doesn't this committee go after cigarettes, the real killer in Florida.
    

64. 
    Folks, two days a year, New Years and July Fourth, the citizens of Florida celebrate with the use of fireworks. This is a fun tradition that goes back generations. It ain't broke - please don't try to fix it. Please do not do anything to encourage our legislators to change the law. Surely there are more pressing issues than the harmless use of fireworks
    

65. 
    We have lost enough rights in this state and country, fireworks should not be one of them. Fire works celebrate the fourth of july and new years. Fireworks help bring in the new year with a bang and it helps celebrate our country’s freedom.
    

none

66. 
    Our extended family of approximately 7 people, ranging in age from 2 to 68 years, enjoy the use of personal fireworks. While we may be beyond the "old days" of M-80's and like "firecrackers," we do enjoy the aerial displays now available at modest costs, as well as the "roman candle" like devices and maybe even a "pop-bottle rocket" or two on occasion. While we understand we may purchase these devices, subject to certain "waivers," we would enjoy their general availablity. Revison of the current law to allow the individual to purchase, in Florida, and use, in Florida, certain "skyrockets, roman candles, daygo bombs, and any fireworks containing explosive or flammable compounds," would be in the best interest of our household.
    

None - Resident of Jacksonville, Duval County, FL

67. 
    Continue the sales of fireworks in the state of Florida. Keep current laws on the sales of fireworks intact.
    

68. 
    fireworks are 1 off the things on my list that made me move here if you ban then we will move out of this state and to Ohio were we can enjoy then. thank you
    

father

69. 
    Placing a ban on fireworks is censorship... telling the public that they are too irresponsible or immature to handle the a small explosive or incindiary device. If public safety is the concern with said fireworks and you truly feel that banning their sale is how to remedy the concern, then why not consider banning alcohol, tobacco and firearms? For that matter, why not ban automobiles, pneumatic tools... really anything that has ever resulted in someone's injury? I'm not an advocate of uncontrolled use of explosives, but I feel that taking away the public's ability to enjoy a time-tested tradition of home firework displays is a rediculous cop-out for a complex issue involving the safety of the Florida public. I would not support a ban on fireworks, however regulations similar to those pertaining to the purchase of a firearm would be acceptable to me. I waiting period to purchase or maybe requiring a background check and issuing a license or identification card, at the purchaser's expense could be possible alternatives. I think the key to a successful solution is to create something that the public will accept and agree to follow... something that will not instigate illegal trafficing any further.
    

70. 
    Yes, we all know fireworks can be dangerous when used incorrectly. But just because there are idiots that don't read the safety instructions before using them, doesn't mean the those of us that do, should have this source of holiday fun taken away from us.
    

71. 
    Something must be done to stop this usage of fireworks in Plantation neighborhoods. It is dangerous, upsetting and now, more like a war zone than a safe neighborhood setting. Pets are traumatized by these loud explosions, as well as babies and the elderly and it must end. The fireworks' lobby should not have the power to override citizens' safety and peace. If it does, then what's next that campaign contributions can buy?
    

individual

72. 
    Please continue to allow fireworks for the young kids that enjoy them. People are responsible individuals.
    

73. 
    ever since the sale of fireworks in florida was avalible i have purchaced them to display for a group of people on the holidays and without this privlage there is more of a chance that some of the people in this group would be driving and possibly having one too many drinks due to the loss of activity near home they would have to go out to find another public display. i use those fireworks responably and always go over fire safty and never let children light them or even get close to them. i do pick up all the trash that had formed from the display of these fireworks and i have never had any problems or complaints. florida benifits from the sale of fireworks and the public wants them to be around. please dont ban fireworks in florida they are used in the right way and in my community they provide a place for the people to go that will keep them off the road thus reducing the possibilaty of another death due to drinking and driving. Thank you, Chad Anderson
    

Overload Inc.

74. 
    I believe we need to prohibit the sale of fireworks to individuals. They are dangerous in the wrong hands, especially in times of drought, and cause undue stress to humans and animals. It is unfair that the majority of the citizens have to suffer for the "fun" of a few individuals. The laws need to be changed (and enforced) NOW!!!!!
    

75. 
    we have been going to phantom for several years. We enjoy the fireworks with our children. I believe phantom is a good place with nice people. They have rules and guidelines as entering the store. To take away the store would be taking away a very special family time for us and several families that enjoy having fireworks at July 4th and New Years.. Thanks Frank Jones
    

76. 
    To Whom it may concern: I have read many of the comments from others regarding the ban of fireworks sales/use in Florida. I have nothing against fireworks just the inconsiderate people that use them with no regard for the public welfare. Neighborhoods across Florida are becoming more and more over crowded and more and more people are using fireworks, this is a dangerous mix. Five years ago my neighborhood was relatively fireworks free, a few firecrackers here a few bottle rockets there, now, a lot of people in the area are using professional airborne fireworks till all hours of the night (from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am in some instances) in essence it sounds like a war zone in my neighborhood on the 4th of July and on New Years eve, if the windows in my house rattle its too loud!. I have no problem with people celebrating holidays in their own way until it interferes with the sanctity of my own home. One personís ìfreedomî should not be allowed to interfere with anotherís freedom. Please show me where in the constitution is the ìfreedom to use fireworksî written. The arguments pertaining to the use of fireworks by responsible adults is a good one. However, responsible adults are becoming fewer as the years go by, just take a drive down any road in the state and you can see this statement to be true. Too many people have a ìIíll do what I want regardlessî attitude. I agree that sometimes government agencies overstep their bounds. But, when it comes to the safety of the public as a whole, there can be few boundaries. People do need to be protected from themselves as well as from others. Is the life or property of someone less important than someoneís imagined right to set off fireworks? I think not. I am not calling for the ban of fireworks in the state, but rather, they must be strictly regulated just like the use of firearms and motor vehicles with penalties to match. I donít think that ìBobî down the street should be allowed to ìblow upî the neighborhood every six months where a lot of hard working families live because ìBobî sees himself a cool party guy with a can of beer in one hand and a lighter in the other. How many houses must burn, how many children and adults need to be injured or killed before the state acts?
    

77. 
    Fireworks are what MAKE the Forth of July and New Years for millions and millions of children. Let's not ruin everything for the children of the future. Remember when you were a kid.
    

78. 
    please let us have the right to celebrate our freedom.
    

79. 
    I am deeply saddened and dismayed to learn that efforts are being made by a few to ban or further restrict the use of fireworks in the State of Florida. Backyard and neighborhood fireworks displays are an integral part of celebrations such as Independence Day and New Years, and in my 50+ years experience do not pose a significant risk to public health or safety. Such small fireworks displays have been a source of joy and amazement for children and adults alike, and are one of the few remaining simple pleasures that can draw people together and away from their televisions. I have lived in over-regulated states such as New York and Washington, and greatly appreciate the freedoms Florida still affords its residents. Let us not legislate the simple pleasures out of living in Florida.
    
    
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