FORT MYERS, Fla. — As people prepare for holiday celebrations, firework stores across southwest Florida are jam-packed.
Neighbors say it’s hard to decipher the difference between harmless fireworks and potentially dangerous gunshots.
Fox 4 speaks with the Cape Coral police department and a local store owner about safety precautions during the holiday season.
As you prepare to ring in the new year, police are sending out a fresh reminder that fireworks are illegal in all parts of Florida…but there is a surprising loop whole that many take advantage of,
“a loop whole in the state law that allows the sale of them as long as you sign a wavier that’s says its to scare the live stock off your crops, ”said Phil Mullen of the Cape Coral Police Department.
One thing to note if using fireworks in Cape Coral is the new noise ordinance that took effect this month.
“With our new noise ordinance, we do not have to catch you, all we need is the complaint and a sworn statement,” said Phil Mullen of the Cape Coral Police Department.
Tis the season for holiday celebrations, but neighbors say they fear some of the loud noises may be gunshots instead of fireworks.
“They have no idea how to tell the difference it does sound like a loud shot, ” said Chris Whited, the owner of The American Discount Fireworks.
“Its very hard to tell the difference, both are an explosion,” said Phil Mullen of the Cape Coral Police Department.
The Cape Coral Police department reiterates the seriousness of this potentially dangerous situation.
“What goes up must come down eventually, that round that you fire must come down and hopefully it doesn’t hit anybody or cause any damage to property, ” said Phil Mullen of the Cape Coral Police Department.
Fortunately, the number of reports in regards to injuries due to fireworks or stray bullets have been slim.
“What you’ll find from the hospitals the next day is a very minimal amount of injuries thankfully, ” said Chris Whited, the owner of The American Discount Fireworks.
As we near the new year’s eve holiday be sure to follow all safety restrictions regarding both fireworks and firearms.
