Leave the fireworks to the pros

Leave the fireworks to the pros

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL - Jacksonville Beach police are asking everyone who comes to Jacksonville Beach for the 4th of July celebration to not bring fireworks. Police will be seizing illegal fireworks and issuing Notices to Appear for violators.

Prior to 2004, the police department responded to hundreds of fireworks complaints from visitors and residents during July 4th celebrations. The huge crowds on the beach were threatened by the thousands of exploding fireworks set off among the crowds. The sheer volume of illegal fireworks being set off created so much smoke that visitors complained they could not see the legitimate fireworks show sponsored by the city.

For those reasons, the city of Jacksonville Beach adopted an ordinance in 2004 prohibiting the sale, use or possession of fireworks within the city. The law states in part: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, co-partnership or corporation to sell, possess, use or explode any fireworks within the municipal boundaries of the city of Jacksonville Beach. Any fireworks found in violation of this section will be confiscated and destroyed. In addition, a violator can receive a $50 fine.