Fair, 55°
Weather sponsored by:

Firework business explodes during Fourth of July celebrations

Loopholes allow vendors to bypass laws limiting sales to sparklers

By Don Coble Managing Editor
Posted 7/2/19

CLAY COUNTY – Kicking Wing, the pig-tailed man who owned a firework stand in the movie “Joe Dirt,” only sold snakes and sparklers.

Although he was prodded by Dirt, the main character played …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Don't have an ID?


Print subscribers

If you're a print subscriber, but do not yet have an online account, click here to create one.

Non-subscribers

Click here to see your options for subscribing.

Single day pass

You also have the option of purchasing 24 hours of access, for $1.00. Click here to purchase a single day pass.

Firework business explodes during Fourth of July celebrations

Loopholes allow vendors to bypass laws limiting sales to sparklers


Posted

CLAY COUNTY – Kicking Wing, the pig-tailed man who owned a firework stand in the movie “Joe Dirt,” only sold snakes and sparklers.

Although he was prodded by Dirt, the main character played by David Spade, to sell incendiary devices like “spleen splitters,” “finger blasters,” “gut busters,” “zippity-doo-das,” “hoosker dos” “and hoosker don’ts,” Kicking Wing still only liked snakes and sparklers.

Florida lawmakers agree with Kicking Wing so much, they’ve limited state law to the most-benign fireworks – snakes and sparklers.

Temporary firework stands make their gypsy-like appearances every Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. They set up in the same parking lots that sell pumpkins in October and Christmas trees in November and December.

And their selections certainly are more-explosive than snakes and sparklers. In fact, some are considered low-grade dynamite.

And it’s all legal – sort of.

Vendors take advantage of an unusual legal glitch that allows Roman candles, bottle rockets and firecrackers. That same law has an exemption for farmers who needs to scare away predators from their livestock and birds from their crops.

“You’re supposed to sign a waiver saying that’s how you’re using them,” said Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot. “You can only use fireworks that go bang or leave the ground to scare off animals to protect livestock. Otherwise, they’re illegal.”

No matter how festive, neighborhood block parties aren’t supposed to ignite fireworks unless they are being threatened by turkey vultures or coyotes. But that doesn’t mean Asdot’s department will be making sweeping raids.

“If people call and complain, we will show up,” the chief said. “We’re not looking in incarcerate anyone. We’re not going out to find fireworks. We certainly hope they use them responsibly. We hope everyone remembers these fireworks can blow your hand off.”

Insurance Journal reported eight deaths and more than 12,900 injuries in 2017. It also reported about $900 million in annual sales, with nearly $600 coming during the Fourth of July holiday.

Hands and fingers are the most injured part of the body, according to Consumer Product Safety Council. They account for 28% of all reported injuries. Others include legs (24%), eyes (19%), head, face and ears (15%), torso (10%) and arms (4%). Nearly half – 44% of all injuries are burns.

The danger was heightened when more than 37,000 fireworks were recently recalled because they contain too much explosive material.

Asdot said the loophole is similar to smoke shops that sell pipes and bongs. By themselves they are legal, but once they’re used to smoke marijuana or crack, they become illegal paraphernalia.

“If you want to see fireworks, come see ours during Riverfest [in May],” Asdot said. “On the Fourth, be safe and go to Moosehaven. They’re going to do a better job.”

They may even have a few “screaming mimis,” “snicker bombs” and “fuzz buttles” just to make Joe Dirt happy.