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Task Force To Hear Fireworks Ban Debate
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Published: October 24, 2007
CLEARWATER - Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch calls it "a big game."
To comply with state law, everyday people purchase otherwise illegal fireworks by signing a form swearing they intend to use the pyrotechnics for specific purposes such as scaring away birds from crops or fish hatcheries.
"We know 99 percent of that is false,'' said Welch, who led his county's effort in 2003 to ban the sale of bottle rockets, firecrackers and other exploding and aerial amusements.
Since then, other Florida counties, including Manatee and Palm Beach, have enacted ordinances to control fireworks use, leading state lawmakers this year to create a task force to recommend statewide changes in fireworks regulations.
The Florida Consumer Fireworks Task Force meets from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in Clearwater. Welch, one of eight members on the statewide panel, said the meeting will give Tampa Bay area residents a chance to voice their opinions about an issue that often comes down to public safety versus individual rights.
State law limits permissible fireworks to those that don't explode or shoot into the air, such as sparklers and smoke bombs.
Already the task force is getting dozens of letters and e-mails from people across the state. Some complain about fireworks spooking their pets or damaging their cars or homes.
"I have a neighbor who shoots off fireworks during major holidays, and it is like we are in a war zone," one person wrote. "I have found spent casings in my yard and on my roof and am fearful that one day my house will catch on fire."
Others argue they don't want to see a tradition as American as hot dogs and apple pie snuffed out.
"Please don't take away something special to Americans and safe under the right conditions because of an irresponsible minority," wrote another.
The public comment part of tomorrow's meeting is set for 3:20 p.m.
The meeting will be on the fourth floor of the Pinellas County Courthouse, 315 Court St., downtown Clearwater. It will be the only time the panel will meet in the Tampa Bay area before delivering its final recommendations to the Florida Legislature on Jan. 15.
Among options the task force is considering are eliminating the sale of fireworks from tents, allowing consumer fireworks to be set off only at designated sites, establishing setback distances from commercial and residential properties, and putting a 10 percent to 20 percent tax on all fireworks sold and used in the state – money that could be used for training and education on safety standards.
Although the Pinellas ordinance bans fireworks that explode or are launched, it has not prevented some enthusiasts from crossing county lines to buy fireworks in Hillsborough or Pasco counties, which have no local fireworks regulations.
"I'm hopeful that we'll come up with some recommendations that make sense," Welch said.
Besides Welch, who represents the Florida Association of Counties, the task force is made up of one representatives of the Florida League of Cities, two from state government, three from the consumer fireworks industry and a member of the public.
Reporter Carlos Moncada can be reached at (727) 451-2333 or cmoncada@tampatrib.com.
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