Exh 6CAGENDA ITEM.#6C
`.SEPTEMBER 22,.2003
RESOLUTION NO: 03-10
A RESOLUTIQN OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA TO
RESTRICT
THE SALE AND POSSESSION OF FIltEWORKS IN THE LOCAL
COMMUNITY:
WHEREAS,. in the year 2000, the U.S.`Consumer Product Safety Commission identified more
.than 51,000 hospital emergencyroom 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;
WHEREAS, 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
communities;
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.:
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