Seasonal & Holidays
Fireworks, Sparklers Banned In 2 Tampa Bay Counties
Check out where burn bans are currently in effect in the Tampa Bay area, affecting July 4 fireworks and grilling.
For months, many counties across Florida were under burn bans because of dry conditions and the threat of wildfires.
While recent rains have allowed many counties to lift these bans, some are still in place over the July 4 holiday weekend, including two counties in the greater Tampa Bay area.
These bans and other ordinances could limit the use of fireworks and grills in those areas.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you’re not sure whether your county is under a burn ban, check with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
Still, with how dry the conditions have been across the state and how active wildfires have been, Greg Dee, meteorologist with Tampa 28 urges people to use caution if setting off personal fireworks.
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Even though there has been rainfall over the last several days … one or two days of rain do not erase the impacts of a year-long drought,” he wrote in a social media post. “Please be very careful when setting off fireworks for the July 4th holiday. Even in places that do not have burn bans, it's best to heed local ordinances or just let the pros handle it [and] go see your local fireworks display.”
It's also important to remember that Florida consumer fireworks law specifically prohibits firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, daygo bombs and any fireworks containing explosive or flammable compounds.
State law allows fireworks that emit a shower of sparks upon burning, don’t contain any explosive compounds, don’t detonate or explode, are handheld or ground based, can’t propel themselves through the air, and contain no more than 100 grams of the chemical compound that produces sparks upon burning.
Anything that isn’t included in the list of approved items is prohibited, except that snakes, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick match, cigarette load, and auto burglar alarms, each of which are subject to size limitations and may be sold at all times.
Check out which counties across Tampa Bay have burn bans in effect:
Hillsborough County
Currently, only yard debris burns are banned in Hillsborough and there are no additional burn bans, according to FDACS.
Fireworks usage following local, county and state laws are allowed.
Manatee County
Under the burn ban in effect, only properly permitted public fireworks displays with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site are permitted in Manatee County, officials said.
Those who are grilling over the holiday weekend are permitted to use outdoor cookers or grills under the current ban, as long as they’re attended by a responsible adult at all times while in use.
Pasco County
There’s currently no burn ban in Pasco, according to FDACS.
Fireworks usage following local, county and state laws are allowed.
Pinellas County
Open burning of yard debris is currently banned in Pinellas and there are no additional burn bans, according to FDACS.
Fireworks usage following local, county and state laws are allowed.
Sarasota County
The county’s current burn ban prohibits the ignition and use of open-flame sources, including consumer fireworks and sparklers.
“While we understand that fireworks have long been a part of holiday traditions, residents should be aware that even a single spark can ignite dry grass, brush, landscaping, or structures and quickly lead to a dangerous fire,” officials said, adding, “Although sparklers are often viewed as harmless, they can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees and are capable of igniting dry vegetation and causing serious injuries.”
Professionally conducted and permitted fireworks displays are allowed under the ban, which fire officials encourage residents and visitors to enjoy over the holiday weekend.
“Public displays are permitted and conducted under controlled conditions with appropriate safety measures in place. Our firefighters, paramedics, lifeguards, dispatchers, and public safety personnel will be on duty throughout the holiday protecting our community,” officials said.
For those cooking outdoors, barbecue grills and pits that don’t exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height are allowed. Those who are grilling are asked to use extreme caution.
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