- May 8, 2024
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The County Commission, via a 4-1 vote, has approved an emergency order to lift the countywide burn ban solely for the city of Flagler Beach, which will allow for Monday's fireworks off the pier to take place. County Commissioner Milissa Holland dissented.
According to Doug Baxter, president of the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates, Santore Inc., the company that puts on the fireworks display, would be able to provide the manpower to have the show despite saying it wouldn't earlier this week.
“I have spoken with Anthony Santore yesterday, and he informed me around 2:30 p.m. yesterday that he is able to put on a fireworks display for Flagler Beach,” Baxter said.
Flagler County Fire Chief Don Petito said there are currently six active fires burning in the county.
Commission Chairman Alan Peterson asked Petito if there is less risk today than there was Monday, when the commission stood pat on its decision to forego fireworks.
Petito said he was always OK with fireworks to take place over Flagler Beach, but not anywhere else in the county.
“My 100% opinion are fireworks are never good ... I’m a fire chief,” Petito said.
The 11th-hour meeting was publicized at 4 p.m. Thursday.
The County Commission decided June 20 to forego fireworks, citing countywide fire concerns. However, rainfall over the past week and fire crews getting a good grip on the fires has sparked an outcry from residents asking for the show to go on.
Several residents posted in support of the fireworks on the Palm Coast Observer Facebook fan page Thursday evening.
The burn ban would be lifted within the city of Flagler Beach only for July 4, and only for the city’s commercial presentation of fireworks.
The burn ban will remain in effect for the remainder of the county and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing the prohibitions on the following:
• Open burning of yard trash.
• Sale or use of fireworks, sparklers or similar novelty items.
• Charcoal and wood burning open barbeques and barbeque pits.
• Discarding lighted cigarette butts.
“We want everyone to have a safe and happy 4th with their family and friends, but leave the fireworks to the professionals,” said Flagler County Sheriff Donald Fleming. “We will be enforcing the burn ban based on the dangerous conditions.”
Violation of the burn ban is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 for each offense and a maximum of 60 days in jail for each offense.
