Resolution No. 03-10
RESOLUTION NO: 03-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA TO
RESTRICT THE SALE AND POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS IN THE
LOCAL COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, in the year 2000, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission identified more
than 11,000 hospital emergency room visits as a result of fireworks related injuries;
WHEREAS, injuries from fireworks disproportionately occur in children under age 15;
WHEREAS, a significant number of fireworks injuries result in permanent blindness;
WHEREAS, in the year 1999 there were an estimated 24,200 fires involving fireworks were
reported to fire departments;
WHEREAS, the prevalence of illegal fireworks use in the public appears to be increasing
"'^ significantly, creating a dangerous environment for members of the public;
WHEREAS, the access to fireworks allows citizens to easily gain access to illegal fireworks;
WHEREAS, some fireworks businesses utilize loopholes in the existing state statutes and
encourage citizens to violate the state laws;
WHEREA5, the existing state law empowers local governments to restrict the sales of
fireworks;
WHEREAS, local law enforcement agencies have not placed a high priority on the
enforcement of the state statutes relative to fireworks sales and distribution;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Commission, City of Atlantic Beach
as follows;
Municipal and County governments in Florida should be encouraged to review their local
ordinances and codes, and take legislative action to restrict the sale and possession of fireworks in their
immunities;
The Duval County legislative delegation is encouraged to take action in the next legislative
session to further restrict and limit the sales of fireworks in the State of Florida;
,,~"` Local elected officials should establish the enforcement of state and local laws, to restrict and
limit the sale of fireworks to members of the public, as a priority for local law enforcement agencies.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by City Commission on this 2
Ap oved as to form and correctness:
2~~,~C----~.
LAN C. E SEN, ESQUIRE
City Att ey
ATTEST:
MA ..EN KING, CM
City Clerk
"'` Page 2 of 2
Resolution No. 03-10