St. Petersburg considers fireworks ban

ST. PETERSBURG -- After pitching his proposal to ban illegal fireworks countywide, County Commissioner Ken Welch received mostly encouraging words Thursday from Mayor Rick Baker and the City Council.

Baker and several council members said they like the idea, which Welch is pushing for safety reasons.

"I think the hazard is there 365 days a year," said council member Bill Foster.

Only council member John Bryan expressed reservations, saying he would have difficulty supporting a ban because Americans traditionally use fireworks to express patriotism and celebrate special events.

A city committee will study the matter and a recommendation is is expected in a few days.

The County Commission votes Feb. 18 on whether to hold a public hearing, an important step toward possible approval of a ban.

Sparklers would not be affected, nor would professional displays.

In essence, the ban would eliminate loopholes in the current law that allow customers to buy illegal fireworks by signing forms that say they are in businesses that require explosives.

Fireworks sellers would have to prove their customers are in such businesses, or risk being shut down.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright