July 4th fireworks

[PammyJ]

This will be our first July 4th in TV. Are there any firework displays nearby? Also, what are the rules for fireworks brought by grandchildren, sparklers, etc.
Thank you in advance for your help!:o

[Bogie Shooter]

This will be our first July 4th in TV. Are there any firework displays nearby? Also, what are the rules for fireworks brought by grandchildren, sparklers, etc.
Thank you in advance for your help!:o
Leesburg & Ocala both have fireworks displays.
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Florida fireworks Q&A: What's legal — and not — for the Fourth
July 2, 2011|By Joseph Freeman, Orlando Sentinel
The Fourth of July is around the corner, a time many Americans observe their independence by sending tiny missiles into the sky, exploding miniature bombs and generally annoying their neighbors.

But most fireworks are illegal for consumer use in Florida, even if they're available for purchase — and that can make stocking up for celebrations confusing. Here are some answers about the do's and don'ts of fireworks in Florida.

What kinds of fireworks can I use legally?

The short answer: not many. Fireworks generally approved for use by consumers include sparklers; small fireworks that emit colored smoke only; and "glow worms," which burn in bright colors without exploding. The state fire marshal has a full list, including brand names, at myfloridacfo.com/sfm/sparklerindex.htm.

"These are the only items consumers without a permit can legally use," said Nina Ashley, a fire marshal's spokeswoman. Other, more high-powered fireworks are permitted only for industrial use or by professionals in public displays.

So everything else is off limits?

If it explodes, flies or lifts off, the law prohibits you from lighting it. That includes the popular Roman candles.

"There is no approved list of 'whiz, boom, bang or stuff that leaves the ground' for the retail public," said Bart Wright, the Maitland Fire Department's assistant chief of administration. "Florida Statute 791 is explicit about that. Consumer purchase and use of such material is unsafe, a threat and, most importantly, illegal in this state."

My area has a fireworks ban. What does that mean?

Despite recent rains, some counties and cities that have been coping with Florida's prolonged drought have banned for consumer use even the fireworks that are usually allowed, such as sparklers. In most cases, the bans don't apply to public shows. In Central Florida, Volusia, Osceola and Brevard counties had bans in effect as of Tuesday, according to the state's Division of Forestry.

If most fireworks are illegal, why are they so widely available?

A loophole in the law allows customers to buy them if they say they're intending to use the fireworks for lawful purposes, including certain uses in agriculture and mining. In stores, this can be as simple as filling out a form.

"When people go to a tent or one of those places where fireworks are available, you are asked to sign a waiver that you will use the items in compliance with state law," Ashley said.

My local fireworks tent has so many options. How can I tell which fireworks are legal?

Just ask. Sellers know the difference, and in many stores, consumer-approved items are clearly marked. Four Seasons/PyroSpot Fireworks, for example, has nine locations across Central Florida. Co-owner Kenneth Darrow said there are "Safe and Sane" sections in which to shop, and employees can help if you aren't sure.

What's the penalty for setting off illegal fireworks?

Florida law classifies it as a first-degree misdemeanor, which means those convicted could face up to a year in a prison, a $1,000 fine and court costs.

Every year in my neighborhood, there's a guy with enough firepower to entertain a small country. Why isn't he arrested?

Fire and public-safety officials say the law can be difficult to enforce.

"By the time we get there, whoever shot off the illegal fireworks is gone," said Orlando Police Department spokesman Vince Ogburn. "It's kind of hard to tell."

Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught noted that deputies become aware of illegal-fireworks use only after it occurs and rarely observe the violators.

"Have we ever arrested or cited someone for illegally shooting off fireworks? Yes, it has happened in the past, although sparingly."

Still, Volusia dispatchers fielded more than 100 calls about fireworks between July 3 and July 5 last year.

Is Florida more restrictive than most states when it comes to fireworks?

Although Florida makes most fireworks illegal, some states go even further. Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York have banned consumer use of all fireworks.

I've always heard that fireworks are dangerous, but what's the real risk?

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics show that in 2010, about 8,600 people ended up in hospital emergency rooms with injuries caused by both legal and illegal fireworks.

Its annual death and injury report on fireworks also showed that about 40 percent of injuries occurred to kids younger than 15. The commission reported three deaths related to fireworks.

In addition, the National Fire Protection Association says more fires are reported on July 4 in the U.S. than on any other day.

If I use legal fireworks, how can I stay safe?

Here are five basic safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

•Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't always realize that young children can be injured by sparklers, which burn at extremely high temperatures.

•Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

•Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

•Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

•After fireworks have burned, douse them with water before discarding them.

Winter Park fire Chief Jim White said that because even legal items burn at high temperatures and can lead to injury, "our encouragement to people is: Don't buy 'em, and go watch the professional displays."

[Vinny]

Then there is the the ever popular firing a gun into the air that seems to claim a life each year. Just no cure for stupid.

[dog friendly]

Where in Ocala and Leesburg will they have the fireworks? thank you

[DougB]

:jester:Sorry Pammy,
You probably didn't hear. Due to the dangers caused by fireworks, The Villages is closed to grandchildren that weekend. Probably best they stay home with their parents.

[Bogie Shooter]

Where in Ocala and Leesburg will they have the fireworks? thank you

Watch the papers.

[LndLocked]

Where in Ocala and Leesburg will they have the fireworks? thank you

Not sure about Ocala ( I looked online and did not really see anything for this year) but I will ask some Ocala residents I know.

The Leesburg ones are part of a day long gig that is held at Venetian Gardens on Lake Harris. Fireworks are shot off from a barge in the lake:

Event Details : Leesburg Events Calendar (http://www.leesburgflorida.gov/calendar/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1637)


Mt Dora also has some nice ones that are also done on a barge on Lk Dora.

Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.mountdora.com/festivals.php)

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We went to Leesburg last year. It was a nice old fashioned Fourth of July Celebration with a very nice fireworks display. We got there late because it looked like it might rain, but I believe that they had some activities for kids earlier.
Jenny really enjoyed it.

[cquick]

We are spending 3 nights at WDW. It will be busy, but it's become a tradition for us! I just wish we had a room at Bay Lake Tower the night of the 4th! But we'll be at Saratoga Springs, so it'll be just a bus ride away.....whoo hooo!

[Garden guru]

:jester:Sorry Pammy,
You probably didn't hear. Due to the dangers caused by fireworks, The Villages is closed to grandchildren that weekend. Probably best they stay home with their parents.

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

[redwitch]

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

Sadly, TV Entertainment stopped the parades around the squares. July 4th was a big one until this year. I thought there was going to be a parade sponsored by the some of the clubs. Call the Rec Dept to find out.

As to DougB's comment, he was trying to be funny. Part of the joy of TV is the visiting grandchildren. They are part of our magic.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

This from Entertaiment site.

The Fourth Of July Celebrations - Market Square/Spanish Springs Paddock Square

Regreting that you moved to TV because there is no 4th of July celebration?
The recreation dept has nothing to do with entertainment, (they do support the parades).
Yes, go to any of the squares on the 4th...............you will see plenty of flag waving. No, talk is not cheap!

[DougB]

Sadly, TV Entertainment stopped the parades around the squares. July 4th was a big one until this year. I thought there was going to be a parade sponsored by the some of the clubs. Call the Rec Dept to find out.

As to DougB's comment, he was trying to be funny. Part of the joy of TV is the visiting grandchildren. They are part of our magic.

Sorry, didn't think anyone would take seriously. :0000000000luvmyhors

[PammyJ]

Sorry, didn't think anyone would take seriously. :0000000000luvmyhors

Those of us who know you, don't! He was trying to talk me out of asking the grandkids to come up next week, hoping to have a quiet holiday! I am still asking!

[Bavarian]

Checkeing St. Tim's Buietin, they have a patriotic music concert before the 4th. Still in the County. We had beautiful fireworks, better than DC, but some Commisioners at the time dropped them for cost, even though we, the viewers, wlould have paid for them through admission to Fair Grounds and told them so and how. One fire dept has them this year on the 29th, and across the River in Solomons still big ones on the 4th, but heavy traffic. The River Concert on Friday nearest has fireworks.

Guess we will next year go to Ocala or other surrounding areas, or back to WDW. What else is bad? Should we keep our house in MD for awhile?

[graciegirl]

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

Huh?

It isn't closed to grandchildren.

No place is perfect. Not even Broad and High, OSU. Riverside Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital,Grant Hospital, Doctors Hospital, White Cross Hospital,The Maennerchor, Red, White and Boom, The old Palace Theatre, German Village, St. Mary's Parish, Santa Claus at Lazarus and lunch at the tea room first. Lazarus dressing. Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Scioto River Bridge....Jack Nicklaus, Rosary High School, Aquinas.

This is a wonderful place The Villages, a wonderful place. Wundebar!

[redwitch]

Sorry, didn't think anyone would take seriously. :0000000000luvmyhors

See what happens when you think? (Almost snarky hehe)

[Bogie Shooter]

Checkeing St. Tim's Buietin, they have a patriotic music concert before the 4th. Still in the County. We had beautiful fireworks, better than DC, but some Commisioners at the time dropped them for cost, even though we, the viewers, wlould have paid for them through admission to Fair Grounds and told them so and how. One fire dept has them this year on the 29th, and across the River in Solomons still big ones on the 4th, but heavy traffic. The River Concert on Friday nearest has fireworks.

Guess we will next year go to Ocala or other surrounding areas, or back to WDW. What else is bad? Should we keep our house in MD for awhile?

Bad?

[Applepie]

Garden guru, You are so WRONG about no 4th of July celebrations in TV. I am a member of the Villages Twirlers and we will be performing our patrotic show at 5:45 at Brownwood, 6:45 at Sumter and 7:45 at
SS. There will be other performing groups during the evening also. There will be vendors and a lot of 4th of July fun at the squares. I have lived here 8 years, and during that time there has never been a parade.

[Applepie]

To clarify my above statement. There has never been a 4th of July parade in my 8 years here There have been lots of parades at other times

[jojo]

[QUOTE=graciegirl;698630]Huh?

It isn't closed to grandchildren.

No place is perfect. Not even Broad and High, OSU. Riverside Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital,Grant Hospital, Doctors Hospital, White Cross Hospital,The Maennerchor, Red, White and Boom, The old Palace Theatre, German Village, St. Mary's Parish, Santa Claus at Lazarus and lunch at the tea room first. Lazarus dressing. Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Scioto River Bridge....Jack Nicklaus, Rosary High School, Aquinas.

This is a wonderful place The Villages, a wonderful place. Wundebar![/QUOTE\

Boy does that sound familiar! Add Upper Arlington to the list.

[KathieI]

Many years ago, we made our own fun. We had a caravan of golf carts drive from LSL up to Truman Rec Center (which at that time, I think was the highest point in TV) and we tailgated there and watched the fire works all around the villages. That was more fun than any parade or fireworks here in TV. We had a blast. If I remember correctly, we probably had 15 carts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/july-4th-golf-cart-convoy-14811/

[duffysmom]

Personally I'm thrilled that we don't have "bombs bursting in air". Fireworks are a major disturbance to our wildlife and pets and a fire hazard as well. As stated by Applepie, TV does celebrate the 4th with great entertainment and patriotic music performed by our own villagers. This morning I watched the twirlers rehearsing at Lake Sumter square and they were fabulous; their only pay is the smile on our faces.

Hopefully Garden Guru will find some serenity and reconsider his/her remarks.

[LABSX2]

Huh?

It isn't closed to grandchildren.

No place is perfect. Not even Broad and High, OSU. Riverside Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital,Grant Hospital, Doctors Hospital, White Cross Hospital,The Maennerchor, Red, White and Boom, The old Palace Theatre, German Village, St. Mary's Parish, Santa Claus at Lazarus and lunch at the tea room first. Lazarus dressing. Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Scioto River Bridge....Jack Nicklaus, Rosary High School, Aquinas.

This is a wonderful place The Villages, a wonderful place. Wundebar!

Gracie, thanks for the memories. I grew up close to Columbus and remember all those places, especially the Santa at Lazarus and the tea room! This is our first week in The Villages as official residents. Sadly I have to return to Ohio on Saturday, but I'll be counting the days until I can come back in September .

[Bill-n-Brillo]

........
No place is perfect. Not even Broad and High, OSU. Riverside Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital,Grant Hospital, Doctors Hospital, White Cross Hospital,The Maennerchor, Red, White and Boom, The old Palace Theatre, German Village, St. Mary's Parish, Santa Claus at Lazarus and lunch at the tea room first. Lazarus dressing. Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Scioto River Bridge....Jack Nicklaus, Rosary High School, Aquinas.

This is a wonderful place The Villages, a wonderful place. Wundebar!

You left out the nativity scene in front of the State Auto building, Gracie.......... :shocked:

Bill :wave:

[justjim]

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

Garden Guru: To be honest, I am surprised that TV does not have a Professional Fireworks Show on July 4th. I suppose it was your expectation,as it was mine, the first July 4th we celebrated in TV in 2006 and we were disappointed that TV did not sponsor a Professional Fireworks Show. Yes, there is "other" entertainment at the Squares but.......no fireworks. Most July 4th Celebrations we are visiting our Kids in Illinois but not this year. We will probably go to Leesburg or Mt. Dora for their fireworks show. I believe a safe professional fireworks show could be done in TV----it would be nice to go to such in your golf cart. :coolsmiley:

[SusanOfWoodbury]

Those of us who know you, don't! He was trying to talk me out of asking the grandkids to come up next week, hoping to have a quiet holiday! I am still asking!

Fireworks in Leesburg and Mt Dora

[asianthree]

i love watching fireworks from afar...but the noise does a number on my husbands nam ptss dreams. so pretty lights brings bad memories

[GatorFan]

God and Country Day in Ocala, Fl


The day's activities begin about 1 p.m. on July 4 and run through a fireworks display at sunset. As in recent years, the celebration will be held near Golden Ocala at the intersection of U.S. 27 and County Road 225A.

[chachacha]

last year i saw lovely fireworks in Inverness but not sure which night they will be, probably wednesday, but check on internet...

[cquick]

Huh?

It isn't closed to grandchildren.

No place is perfect. Not even Broad and High, OSU. Riverside Hospital, Mount Carmel Hospital,Grant Hospital, Doctors Hospital, White Cross Hospital,The Maennerchor, Red, White and Boom, The old Palace Theatre, German Village, St. Mary's Parish, Santa Claus at Lazarus and lunch at the tea room first. Lazarus dressing. Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Scioto River Bridge....Jack Nicklaus, Rosary High School, Aquinas.

This is a wonderful place The Villages, a wonderful place. Wundebar!

Dear Gracie, what do all those hospitals have to do with The Village? I know what Red White and Boom is but the rest of it is a mystery to me!

[cquick]

Many years ago, we made our own fun. We had a caravan of golf carts drive from LSL up to Truman Rec Center (which at that time, I think was the highest point in TV) and we tailgated there and watched the fire works all around the villages. That was more fun than any parade or fireworks here in TV. We had a blast. If I remember correctly, we probably had 15 carts.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/july-4th-golf-cart-convoy-14811/

Kathie, that sounds like fun! We won't be in TV for the 4th, but you can report back to us.

[Parker]

The 'closed to grandchildren' post was a joke.

[skip0358]

Why should TV have fireworks and who would pay for them? If they were held here someone would be on here complaining about traffic jams just like after the Christmas Parade that was moved to the Polo Field. Or why did they hold them where they were it was to far or to close to my house etc. You can't have everything here that you had before. As far as I'm concerned we have all we need here. If my Granddaughter who's down wants to see them we'll go to Leesburg, that's close enough. JMO

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Checkeing St. Tim's Buietin, they have a patriotic music concert before the 4th. Still in the County. We had beautiful fireworks, better than DC, but some Commisioners at the time dropped them for cost, even though we, the viewers, wlould have paid for them through admission to Fair Grounds and told them so and how. One fire dept has them this year on the 29th, and across the River in Solomons still big ones on the 4th, but heavy traffic. The River Concert on Friday nearest has fireworks.

Guess we will next year go to Ocala or other surrounding areas, or back to WDW. What else is bad? Should we keep our house in MD for awhile?

Oh my definitely not. It's just a horrible place. How can anyone live in a place that requires you to drive a half hour once a year to see fireworks. This is the main reason that everyone is leaving the Villages. That is why it's practically become a ghost town. (Note:Voice dripping with sarcasm)

[gocubsgo]

It would be so easy to shoot off fireworks over Lake Sumter! What fun that would be!

[Bogie Shooter]

Just moved here to The Villages in April and already regret it. Couldn't believe it when looking through today's rec news to see that there are NO July 4 activities in The Villages, especially considering all the flag-waving and God and country rhetoric that goes on around here. Guess talk is cheap. Flipping through the pages of the rec news, one would not even know a national holiday is coming up. And according to this post, the place is closed to grandchildren this week because of fireworks danger? Get real! Children only have fireworks if adults allow them to have them.

What say you now???

[mulligan]

It would be so easy to shoot off fireworks over Lake Sumter! What fun that would be!

And where would you suggest that 100,000 people park to watch ?

[graciegirl]

Dear Gracie, what do all those hospitals have to do with The Village? I know what Red White and Boom is but the rest of it is a mystery to me!


I was just taking Garden Guru back to Columbus, Ohio from which we both came and that is what I typed.

I really have no good answer. Trying to think of landmarks in Columbus that hadn't changed over the years I guess.

Garden Guru sounded so negative, I was trying to make her think that no place was absolutely perfect.

[skip0358]

Went to Leesburg last night. Great show, big crowd, home in less then 20 minutes.

[memason]

Sat on the lanai last night and watched fireworks all across the horizon...with good friends, delicious beverages and grilled food.

Does life get any better ???

[TOMCAT]

My husband and I are looking forward to the quietness of a 4th of July. As I am not living in Villages yet, every 4th of July, my whole neighborhood is bursting with roman candles, bombs, firecrackers, etc. I disliked the noise and my dog goes crazy. If I want to see a firework display, I'll go to Disney World for a mini vacation.

[duffysmom]

This morning, once again, we heard about a bunch of people (all adults) losing body parts while playing with fireworks. Never fails. Explosives are dangerous, Duh!!!

[senior citizen]

It would be so easy to shoot off fireworks over Lake Sumter! What fun that would be!


That would be nice. Very very nice.

Does The Villages have a fire department????

In our town, the local volunteer firemen (rural and town) are in charge of the fireworks. When our kids were small, it used to be at the small airport; now it's at our big park.....on a hill overlooking our town. It's an all day affair......culminating in the fireworks at about 9 p.m.

Otherwise, one year we were in Disney World over the week of the 4th of July and the fireworks were outstanding...........

I, myself, wouldn't drive there for just a day....but if someone wanted to spend a long weekend or a few days next 4th of July, it would be worth it.

We were crossing some bridge at Epcot when the fireworks went off.
Spectacular. Better even than small "home town" displays.