 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
County allows use of fireworks
By CHRISTOPHER GOFFARD
© St. Petersburg Times, TAMPA -- Hillsborough County plans to allow the sale and use of fireworks this Fourth of July, citing significantly higher soil moisture levels than last year, when officials imposed a brief ban. "There is no emergency," said Tampa Fire-Rescue Capt. Bill Wade. "We're still in a drought, but are things so dry that fireworks present an immediate danger? Apparently not." The county's Emergency Policy Group -- which includes local government and public safety officials -- voted last week not to impose a ban. The group speaks for Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace and the county's unincorporated areas. When the county adopted a two-week ban last year, officials pointed to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures soil moisture. It was at 708. Recently, the county's drought index has hovered between 300-400. County Commissioner Pat Frank said the index must be 700 or higher for three days in a row before a ban is considered. "It's still possible, but it doesn't look like it's getting that bad," said Frank. Sharon Hunnewell, president of Galaxy Fireworks of Tampa, said it was a relief. Galaxy sued Pasco County last year on the grounds that its fireworks ban hurt the company's business; though the ban was lifted, the suit is pending. Hunnewell said the soil moisture level was not a legitimate yardstick of any fire risk posed by firecrackers. "Dryness has nothing to do with whether a product's going to start a fire," she said. "I think it's a knee-jerk reaction." As part of its Fourth of July celebration, the city of Tampa plans to shoot off 20-minutes' worth of fireworks from the parking lot of the Ice Palace. The display will be part of Aquafest, hosted by the Florida Aquarium. Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs intend to forge ahead with their planned Fourth of July fireworks shows. Largo is poised to cancel its Fourth of July fireworks show for the second consecutive year because of the high fire danger. City staff recommend banning the show. Commissioners are expected to approve the ban today. On a scale of 0 to 800, with desert conditions an 800, Pinellas County has the highest drought index in the state at 592. -- Christopher Goffard can be reached at (813) 226-3337 or goffard@sptimes.com.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
|
