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

St Johns County citizen

80. 
    I would like to see all fireworks made illegal in the state of Florida. Except fireworks displays handled by professionals.
    

81. 
    Keep the fireworks coming.
    

82. 
    Fireworks laws should remain as they are. In an effort to please a few, should we penalize the rest of us?
    

83. 
    i enjoy fireworks and being able to participating with my kids. i would not like to see the laws changed due to irresponsible people
    

84. 
    Please do not band fireworks in Florida. Fireworks are a part of history and being an American. We celebrate freedom! I have 2 boys that truly look forward to saving thier money and buying fireworks several times a year. They gather with their family and friends as we all enjoy the sights.
    

Registered Nurse

85. 
    We have been forced to endure another 3 or 4 weeks of illegal fireworks. I have been hearing fireworks going off in my neighborhood since Christmas eve day and expect to hear them for another week or two. I am held prisoner in my home for that time period in order to safeguard my dogs from cardiac arrest etc. I have to turn on the AC even in the coldest of weather in order to reduce the noise. It is sickening that just a few should benefit at the expense of many. Fireworks are illegal to set off and are being sold in Hillsborough County using an illegal process. Some of the sellers are not even requiring the signing of the required affidavit and why should they since there is no process to check them. I have reviewed the drafts that the taskforce has drawn up and I believe this is a good start. I hope you ensure these drafts are signed into law even though the activities in question are already against the law. I would like to have the same opportunity to enjoy the holidays just as everyone else does. There are many professional displays available during these holiday periods which can be viewed by all. As I read recently there have been many accidents due to consumer fireworks activities. These would also be eliminated. I appreciate your effort in this matter and I hope that sanity prevails.
    

86. 
    Every new year's eve and every 4 of july is when I believe me and my family have the greatest moments of the year, because we are all together celebrating having a great time and the fireworks are all part of it, we loved enjoy and embrace the tradition of lighting the real thing, we had always done it in a safe environment and it would be outrageous if our traditions were taken away from us.
    

87. 
    Please keep the sale of fireworks in Florida.
    

88. 
    I am a registered voter and lifelong resident of Miami, Florida. I have always enjoyed fireworks at 4th of July events and New Year's Eve. In the past I have relied on people purchasing fireworks out of state or in other counties other than Miami-Dade County. I just recently purchased fireworks in Key Largo Florida. My family and I enjoyed them so much as did our neighbors, on New Year's Eve. We used them responsibly as did our fellow neighbors. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. It saved us from having to drive around town and we defintely felt safe using them. Please consider authorizing the sale of Fireworks in Miami-Dade County. Thank you.
    

89. 
    why would you band fireworks? there is no reason, people abuse fireworks they drink and kill other people, accidents happen all the time, this is alot of fun for young and the old. if you band fireworks then you need to start by concider all guns be abandon from all drug pushers and maybe all these murders will subside. worry about all drugs in our city today.
    

90. 
    Dear Task Force Committee. I urge you to vote to allow the legal use of fireworks in the State of Florida. Fireworks have been used culturally to celebrate the 4th of July and the New Years in the United States since our forefathers. This is a cultural tradition, no less relevant than the use of fireworks to celebrate the Chinese New Year or other events in which fireworks are used to celebrate culturally relevant events. To outlaw the use of fireworks to celebrate the great American traditional holidays would be a true mockery of American tradition. Thank you for your consideration. Mark
    

91. 
    Fireworks should be legal!!!! How come it's ok for other states but not ours?
    

92. 
    Please do not ban the sale of fireworks in Florida. Twice a year my family and I get together with other family and friends and celebrate, New Years and the 4th of July, what is a 4th of July without fireworks. That is a celebration of Freedom, and when fireworks are no longer available then aren't we losing a certain freedom?
    

93. 
    Banning fireworks is not an option for us! Even if they are banned people like ourself will still travel out of state or wherever to get them. Yes, accidents happen, but they happen in planes, trains, automobiles, pools and many more! We only live once and our fate is our fate as well as our time is our time and life is too short to not have some fun RESPONSIBLY!
    

94. 
    I think the fireworks should be allowed to stay
    

95. 
    Fireworks must be treated with respect and great caution. I allow nobody within fifteen yards of mine while I light them, and I only fire them straight into the air. I purchase fireworks from reputable vendors such as Phantom to insure the lowest risk of misfires. And afterword I clean up all paper and debris associated with the fun and separate it for recycling. We love our July 4th and New Years Day celebrations - please allow responsible users of fireworks to continue their traditions.
    

96. 
    As a Florida Resident, I feel I should have the right to purchase and use fireworks at my discretion. I am a responsible adult, taxpaying resident of Florida and have been for 10 years. I am asking for the support of all Florida residents to stand up and say, "I can use fireworks responsibly and wish to continue purchasing them."
    

97. 
    There absolutely is no valid reason for fireworks to be banned in the state of Florida. Will big business like Seaworld and Disney World still be able to do them everyday? Why take them away from the average consumer.
    
98. 
    --Kim Smoke
    

99. 
    When the protocol for the Fireworks Task Force was implemented, it prevented local cities and counties from creating any new laws pertaining to sales and usage. What happened to home rule? Where in the state's laws does it allow for this? After traveling to Fort Pierce last week to observe the Task Force in action and to speak, it isn't just a skunk that gives off a foul odor! When three of the eight members are from the fireworks industry and it takes six votes to get anything recommended, it shouldn't take a very bright person to see where things are headed. The most disturbing item to come out of this session was to make firecrackers legal every day of the year. Are they nuts?
    

100. 
     How has our government gone so wayward that we can in good conscience, support having fireworks in our state anymore? I feel threatened and live in fear for my safety and the safety of my property and animals. They are scared to death, and so am I. Why must I live in fear in what should be the sanctity of my home? Please do something to stop this taskforce that has been set up from approving fireworks in the hands of citizens. You (meaning our government) has invited too many people to come into our state so our relaxed atmosphere is no more. We live in constant tension. And these holidays, New Years and July 4th, just accentuate the flaws in human character. We have been stressing for months now about the deaths of horses, burning down of barns, children and adults injured, fire marshals concerned. But still the people like you on the state level that can actually do something about it do nothing. Please STOP FIREWORKS NOW!!
     

101. 
     Fireworks has always been a part of our heritage. Do not take something away from us that we fought so hard to gain. Being able to shoot fireworks off in celebration of out country's birthday, or the beginning of a new year is as patriotic as any red blooded american can get. This veteran says let fireworks stay in Florida.
     

102. 
     We want to see the continues sale of fireworks in this state of Florida. It is a tradition in our family that brings our family and children much happiness. It would be very hard for us to go to another state to buy fireworks to do with our children on July 4th and New years eve. Thank You.
     

103. 
     Not only taking into consideration the injuries the fires that are caused by fireworks, please consider the trauma that is placed on citizens by their use. This morning an elderly lady called me saying she and her little dog had been scared to death New Years Eve, as the noise went on and on. Some rockets were going on and over her house. She was crying when she talked to me. Please, you have no need for empathy for most people that use or sell these things. They just donít give a damn about others. If people need fireworks for agricultural work, there is an agricultural extension service in every county where they can get a permit. Carl Prescott Coral Springs, FL
     

104. 
     Regarding the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Fireworks Task Force Facilitators Summary of Recommendations for Submittal to the 2008 Florida Legislature, dated January 9, 2009, I object to the restriction on page 9 stating ìariel fireworksî can only be used with permits in a county specified area. This completely shuts down adult supervised local in-neighborhood displays. I believe the law in St. Johns County should remain as is. With adult supervision, which I totally agree with, ariel firework displays can be safe and fun. They should be able to be held locally, without permit and location restriction. The restriction for purchase of ariel fireworks should also remain as is, that is, you must 18 years of age and older to purchase without permit. Thank you for your consideration.
     

105. 
     I oppose any legisilation that prohibits purchasing fireworks!
     

106. 
     Anti-fireworks advocates, they really must not have anything better to do then try to disrupt the nations holidays.Fourth of July we celebrate our Nation the great Nation that we live in. New Years we celebrate a New Year of our wonderful Nation. Now we have people or anti fireworks people trying to stop us from having responible fun with fireworks. I say we put it on the ballot and let the public decide if we want to buy fireworks and celebrate,not just a few anti fireworks people trying to ban them from the whole state. Just my opnion how about yours. God Bless Our Nation.
     

107. 
     I do not think fireworks should be banned from Florida. You can still purchase cigarettes and alcohol and I believe they are more dangerous than fireworks.
     

108. 
     In my opinion, fireworks should be fully legalized and taxed/regulated as necessary to help protect public safety. In order to purchase fireworks legally, I am forced to travel hundreds of miles out of State. Please provide the citizens of the State of Florida the ability to purchase and safely discharge fireworks. I recognize the danger associated with fireworks and am willig to accept that danger. When I ignite fireworks, I do so in a controlled, planned and safe manner. It is not right for any group of people to enact a law that is intended to protect me from something that I enjoy doing.
     

109. 
     I would like to see the sale and use of fireworks illegal for Hillsbrough County - the whoel statre would be better. many of my neighbors do fire works. the start days before and continue for days after. I have fould fireworks sheels on my roof, lawn & flower beds. I have seen young children set them off without parental supervision. I think they are a danger for every one involved
     

home owner - Keystone Manores Subdivision

110. 
     please do not take away the right to buy and use fireworks in the state of florida! I feel it is my right and a historical tradition1
     

111. 
     It is a tradition for most of the people who live in Florida to use fireworks specially for fourth of july and new year. If fireworks become illegal, you will be against of one of the tradition here in Florida. I always use fireworks and I have never had any problem. As far I know people who sell fireworks they are pretty good with any warning and they make sure you follow the instructions on how to use them. Thank you.
     

112. 
     All hell broke loose on New Year's Eve, and made my life a living hell--again! You who set off your multitude of fireworks are doing so to the detriment of your neighbor! And you put your children in peril! I saw 4 kids, about age 14, setting off multiple fireworks, and the closest adult was up at their house watching them. These children had their golf cart parked within 20' of all of this! Plus, these kids were standing about 15' away from the flames and sparks that were flying all around them! Do you care that we had drought conditions and you could have caused fires? Do you care that your children could get injured? Do you care at all about your neighbor(s)? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding "NO"! I don't have to hear the answer--I see it weeks before and after July 4th and New Year's Eve! Keep fireworks illegal, and get some laws that can be enforced for those who insist on breaking the law! Go to the displays or bang some pots and pans at midnight on New Year's Eve, and let me enjoy these holidays too!
     

113. 
     As a private citizen of the United States I hold the right to rockets red glare right up there with the right to bear arms ... in fact I'd give that one up before it. Sure there's public danger involved and there are reasonible and unreasonable places to fire them but the bottem line is we have a right to that option.
     

114. 
     It is my opinion that fireworks should be made legal for sale in the state of Florida. I believe an adult should be able to make their own decision on firework safety, just as many firearm enthusiasts handle "deadly" fire arms every day. Fireworks are an easy target because many people don't utilize the loop holes to purchase fireworks, there are not many "eyes" on the pending legislation. I feel a little picked on as firework enthusiasts don't have a large lobby on our behalf. I would advise anyone trying to ban fireworks in Florida to think of my family, every 4th and new years I celebrate with fireworks. Not only will you help minimize the holidays for my family, but you will push a lawful trade underground in Florida. I would not like to buy my fireworks out of a van. Don't be unamerican, leaglelize fireworks in Florida. Thank you Ken Smith 10 fingers - Still attached
     

115. 
     Please do not ban fireworks in the state of florida. Nothing brings mt family such enjoyment as watching the fireworks and their beautiful displays. It would be a quite disheartning if fireworks were banned in the state of florida Sincerely Angela Holden
     

116. 
     Don't band fireworks it is only twice a year. it is every ones right to use fireworks. when you start taking the right away from the people then what are we really here for? it is the country or freedom. i could see if there is a bad dry season or something like that, and it is a big threat. but lets say you do band fireworks what do you think people are going to do? They will probably make there own bombs or fireworks and set them off. So i think it would be better to buy them at a fireworks place them making there own. more people will get hurt.
     

117. 
     I don't feel fireworks should be outlawed. Enforcement of the laws surrounding the sale and use of fireworks should be stepped up.
     

118. 
     I support the sale of fireworks in the state of Florida. I would not support any law or other regulation to ban the sale of fireworks in the state of Florida. Our family enjoys celebrating holidays together and fireworks are a part of our celebration many times.
     

119. 
     Don't legalize any fireworks that explode. You will be creating a Florida that no one will want to live in. Teenagers will use the powder to make a larger explosive. This is a very dangerous practice.
     

120. 
     The biggest problem with the current fireworks law is there is no enforcement. How could there be a fireworks task force to make recommendations on changes to the law without a single member on the task force to represent the people who have to enforce it. On each recommendation you make please specifically state how the recommendation is to be enforced. Keep in mind the Miketa ruling. The judge stated the law (Statute 791)did not say who had the responsibility to determine if a purchaser was eligible to buy fireworks under Statute 791. That was the birth of the so called Verification form, AKA the Lie form. Please don't make the same mistake again.
     

121. 
     Are you really serious that you believe the fireworks vendors will abide by the age requirement when selling "firecrackers". Just last week I saw very young teenagers buying the currently illegal fireworks in one of the tents. The fireworks industry will not police themselves. Don't create more loopholes for them to crawl through.
     

122. 
     New Years eve in my neighborhood was absolutely horrible. Only a small number of our neighbors were shooting them however, we had the feeling we were in a war zone. The fireworks are getting louder and more powerfull. There is very little quality control on the fireworks from China, and at best, only a spot check of the fireworks when they arrive in the USA. Get fireworks out of the hands of "consumers". Leave them for professionals only.
     

123. 
     Dont ban fireworks. My neighbors and their kids along with my family enjoy getting together to do fireworks as a group and clean up afterward. So please dont ban fireworks from Jacksonville, Florida. Thanks Teresa DeVevo
     

124. 
     Dont ban fireworks. My neighbors and their kids along with my family enjoy getting together to do fireworks as a group and clean up afterward. So please dont ban fireworks from Jacksonville, Florida. Thanks Cherriee Duggan
     

125. 
     I recieved a flier while purchasing fireworks at phantom fireworks for New Years. I was unware that the State of Florida was undergoing a petition to ban or otherwise restrict the use of fireworks. I do agree that under drought situations home owners should not be able to participate in the activity of firewoks. But being an American parent who enojoys FREEDOM, I think that the use of fire works is a wonderful privilege that we can enojoy if used by a resopnsible adult as specified by the manufacturer. Thank you for your time and I hope that my coments have helped.
     

NONE / home owner who enjoys fire works

126. 
     I think the fireworks store should stay
     

127. 
     The last thing we as a people need is another law restricting our freedom. As a consenting adult it is offensive to be restricted because of a possibility. What is next? a ban on fishing in a boat, it might sink. No more bare feet it will make podiatry costs rise.(I know lets try prohibition again.)