Fireworks Ban For Visitors and Residence...
It's being reported in the local press that the Island’s Fireworks Task Force is planning to enforce the local fireworks ban at all cost. First, "they plan to send out their July 4 message that fireworks are illegal and will be confiscated from both residents and visitors in a variety of ways."
"Message boards will be parked along roadsides, flyers will be distributed to rental agents and public service announcements will be aired on government television stations. In addition, the information is posted on Island city and county Web sites."
According to Sgt. Dave Turner, of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sandbar plans to hire four off-duty officers to check for alcohol and fireworks’ violations. He said, "illegal fireworks would be confiscated and turned over to the bomb squad."
Let us know what you think about this years fireworks plans for the 4th of July weekend.
Mayor Fran Barford says he's asked Turner to coordinate fireworks collection with the Holmes Beach Police Department. Last year there were receptacles for the confiscated fireworks in the field by city hall.
"People don’t know the difference between legal and illegal fireworks," pointed out Bob Tollise, county hazmat coordinator. "I think they need to see it." He suggested having posters printed up with photos of each kind of fireworks (legal and illegal) and hanging them in local businesses, particularly at the restaurants where they're are fireworks displays planned.
Fireworks at The Mar Vista
Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key
In response to a request from the Chiles Group to have a fireworks display at the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub on Longboat Key on July 4, Longboat Key Fire Marshal, Lou Gagliardi, said... "We’re reviewing it."
Gagliardi explained. "They want to have a barge on the water and our concern is the fallout area for the boats and the docks." He also said the Mar Vista is on a dead end street which could cause serious traffic issues, and that the Mar Vista is on the Intracoastal Waterway... which is under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard.
Mayor Fran Barford says, "there are already fireworks displays planned for July 3 at the BeachHouse in Bradenton Beach and July 4 at the Sandbar in Anna Maria." If there is a display at Mar Vista on Longboat Key, its hoped it would draw some of the crowd that comes to Anna Maria.
Either way, it sounds like the July 4th weekend will have fireworks displays. Just leave it up to the pros to keep it safe and legal!
Remember, visit the Anna Maria Island Community Forum and let us know what you think about the fireworks ban and this years fireworks plans for the 4th of July weekend.
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