Skip to main content

Tag: fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day safely

Celebrate Independence Day safely

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Manatee County.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – For many, no proper Fourth of July celebration is complete without setting off fireworks. However, private displays of bombs bursting in air are illegal on the Island.

Though fireworks can be purchased in Florida, rules regarding their legal use are more complicated.

In April 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 140 into law. The bill allows people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on three holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. The previous law required signing a waiver saying the fireworks were for specific agricultural reasons.

While the state law is clear, local cities and counties have their own rules that supersede what the state allows.

Each of the three cities on Anna Maria Island has a slightly different approach to how fireworks violations will be enforced, but setting off fireworks of any kind is forbidden anywhere on the Island, especially the beaches – fireworks can disturb nesting shorebirds, sea turtles and other Island wildlife.

Celebrate Independence Day safely
The sound of fireworks can cause shorebirds such as this Black Skimmer to abandon their nests. – Submitted

Audubon Florida says the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds, especially nesting species. After each fireworks explosion, birds panic and fly from their nests, scattering the chicks and exposing them to predators and heat until their parents return.

It’s also sea turtle nesting season, and both adult and hatchling turtles can easily be disoriented by light, sometimes leading to their deaths.

Here is how officials in the three Island cities approach fireworks:

Anna Maria

The city of Anna Maria is patrolled by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The department refers to Manatee County Ordinance 04-27, which covers fireworks rules and laws at length and also echoes other area laws that prohibit individuals from lighting any shell that flies in the air or explodes above the ground without a permit. A spokesman did not directly address whether the department recognizes the state bill that legalizes fireworks on July 4.

“Our response to fireworks enforcement has not changed. When deputies respond to complaints involving fireworks, their goal is to obtain voluntary compliance through education,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach police will be enforcing a local ordinance that does not allow fireworks on the three state-designated holidays and will confiscate fireworks from anyone caught setting them off. It’s also possible to be issued a citation, even on July 4.

“The use of fireworks is illegal and they will be confiscated. Depending on

the severity of the amount someone possesses, they can also be fined,” Bradenton Beach Police Lt. Lenard Diaz said. “Nothing that projects up is allowed.”

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach has a similar approach to enforcement of local laws regarding fireworks in the city. Police Chief Bill Tokajer said most private fireworks displays in the city are illegal and there will be consequences for violators.

“Exploding, launching and projectile fireworks are illegal,” Tokajer said. “We will be handling each report of fireworks depending on what the firework is and how it’s being handled. The fine is up to $500. Also, be sure to closely supervise children while using legal fireworks” such as sparklers.

Officials know some will choose to ignore the law and take their chances. Anyone choosing to do so is strongly encouraged to avoid densely populated areas and beaches.

After a hiatus due to COVID-19, the Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria has announced the return of Fourth of July weekend fireworks. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 at the Sandbar, and can be viewed free by the public. The VIP event at the restaurant is sold out. not changed. When deputies respond to complaints involving fireworks, their goal is to obtain voluntary compliance through education,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.

Fourth of July fireworks

July 4 fireworks rules a bit complicated on AMI

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Featured.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Before you stock up on fireworks to celebrate Independence Day in any of the three cities on the Island, it’s important to know the rules and laws, which vary depending on the city.

In April 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 140 into law. The bill allows people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on three holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. The previous law required signing a waiver saying the fireworks were for specific agricultural reasons.

While the new law is clear, local cities and counties have their own rules that supercede what the state allows. Each of the three cities that make up Anna Maria Island has a slightly different approach to how fireworks violations will be enforced, but setting off fireworks of any kind is forbidden on any of AMI’s beaches. Fireworks can disturb nesting shorebirds, sea turtles and other Island wildlife.

Good news: Least terns nesting on AMI
Least terns, a threatened species, are nesting on AMI’s beaches and can be frightened off their nests permanently by fireworks. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Bradenton Beach

The Bradenton Beach police will be enforcing a local ordinance that does not allow fireworks on the three state-designated holidays, and will confiscate fireworks from anyone caught setting them off. It’s also possible to be issued a citation, even on July 4.

Bradenton Beach is home to the popular Coquina Beach.

“Anything that shoots up in the air is illegal: Bottle rockets, roman candles, mortars, they’re all illegal, said Det. Sgt. Lenard Diaz of the Bradenton Beach Police Department. “You’re looking at shooting those things off near a residence, and the residences are so tightly packed together here that the possibility of something catching on fire is very real.”

The Sandbar restaurant will not be hosting a Fourth of July fireworks show this year.

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach will be taking a different approach to the issue of fireworks for the holiday, only taking action if the fireworks are being used in an unsafe manner that could endanger the public or those setting them off. 

“State law said it’s ok to set them off on the 4th, so we’ll honor that and encourage safety and common sense,” said Police Chief William Tokajer, adding that anyone being reckless or unsafe is still subject to a citation and the risk of having their fireworks confiscated.

Manatee Beach is located in Holmes Beach.

Anna Maria

The city of Anna Maria is patrolled by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The department refers to Manatee County Ordinance 04-27, which covers fireworks rules and laws at length and also echoes other area laws that prohibit individuals from lighting any shell that flies in the air or explodes above the ground without a permit. A spokesman did not directly address whether or not they recognize the state bill that legalizes fireworks on July 4.

Turtle hatchlings expected to hatch in early July could be disoriented by fireworks, and never make it to the Gulf of Mexico. Submitted | AMITW

“Our response to fireworks enforcement has not changed. When deputies respond to complaints involving fireworks, their goal is to obtain voluntary compliance through education,” said Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Randy Warren.

All departments agree that if you choose to light fireworks, you should be aware of your surroundings, not use them in densely populated areas, and not use them on the beach, where wildlife may be at risk.

Related coverage

 

Bird Tips

 

Turtle Tips

Surprise - more fireworks tonight!

Surprise – more fireworks tonight!

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Archives.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Don’t pack up those American flag swim trunks and those red, white and blue beach chairs yet – the Fourth of July on Anna Maria Island is not over ’til it’s over!

The Sandbar Restaurant in Anna Maria will set off a second, unplanned fireworks display tonight, July 5, since there was a glitch with last night’s display, said Ed Chiles, of The Chiles Group, who is celebrating his 40th year with the restaurant.

According to a statement on The Sandbar’s Facebook page: “The Sandbar restaurant and our team is so proud to be a part of the Anna Maria community that it hurts us deeply when we disappoint you. And we know that our fireworks show disappointed many last night. It disappointed us as well. Tonight, July 5th at 9 p.m., we will make it right with what will, hopefully, be our best fireworks show ever.”

U.S. flag

Swordfish Grill hosting permitted fireworks display Friday night

Swordfish Grill hosting permitted fireworks display Friday night

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Archives.

CORTEZ – The Independence Day festivities will continue for an extra day when the Swordfish Grill hosts a legally-permitted fireworks display on Friday, July 5.

Swordfish Grill owner John Banyas obtained a public fireworks display permit from Manatee County on Tuesday and a second permit from the West Manatee Fire Rescue (WMFR) fire department on Wednesday.

Launching at 9 p.m., the permitted July 5 fireworks display will replace the non-permitted July 4 fireworks show that’s become a Cortez tradition in recent years.

On Wednesday, General Manager Bob Slicker said all the restaurant’s waterfront patio tables have already reserved for Friday evening, but there will still be standing-room-only space available.

There will also be seating inside the restaurant and sports bar, and it’ll be business as usual, except the kitchen will close at 8 p.m. so the kitchen staff can enjoy the fireworks.

“Our neighbors at the Cortez Kitchen will also be open and there may be some seats available there too,” Slicker said.

The fireworks will launch from an offshore barge and should also be visible from the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach and along Bradenton Beach’s eastern shoreline.

Tip prompts investigation

Banyas obtained the fireworks permits in response to a June 12 investigation that began with WMFR Fire Inspector Rodney Kwiatkowski responding to two anonymous tips about fireworks being stored at a Cortez home on 124th Street owned by Banyas and rented to Slicker.

“We drove by and confirmed what appeared to be fireworks in an open garage. So, we got the appropriate people together went to the residence, introduced ourselves and asked if we could go in and see what we’re looking at.”

Swordfish Grill hosting permitted fireworks display Friday night
These fireworks were previously stored at Bob Slicker’s rented home in Cortez. – Rodney Kwiatkowski/WMFR | Submitted

Kwiatkowski said the response team included Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputies and members of the county bomb squad. He said the bomb squad responded due to the large amount of fireworks being stored.

“There’s no citation. The only issue we had was with the storage being so close to all the residences. The storage was in violation of a county ordinance. They were asked to move them. They obliged and they were going to have them sent back to the company that delivered them. They were very cooperative,” Kwiatkowski said.

“We also let them know that we were available to facilitate the permitting process and walk them through it, which we did. We met with John Banyas, showed him what was required for a permitted fireworks display and pointed him in the direction of some licensed pyrotechnic companies,” Kwiatkowski said.

“We’ve been working with them and the county to help facilitate this. This is the way it’s supposed to work, and everybody wins in the end,” he added.

“I’ll go out during the day and do an inspection during set up to make sure the licensed ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) shooter is there on site. In the evening, we’ll have a dedicated fire engine crew there during the display,” Kwiatkowski said.

Kwiatkowski said it’s legal to possess fireworks in Florida if purchased for agricultural purposes such as scaring off birds or other animals, but it’s illegal to detonate explosive fireworks without a permit. He feels this loophole in Florida law creates confusion and is something WMFR officials hope to close in the future.

“I don’t believe Bob Slicker was intentionally trying to break the law. I think well-intentioned people, because of this law, are put in a position that is unfortunate,” Kwiatkowski said. “We want people to celebrate, but we need them do it in a way that is safe and legal.”

Permitted activity

“This fireworks show has been going on for five years,” Slicker said. “Me and a group of local fishermen and business owners have been doing this to help our community celebrate Cortez and Independence Day. We had the garage door open and we were doing everything out in the public, just as we have for the past five years.

“Until this, we never had a complaint about the fireworks show that has become a community event at no cost to anyone but those who volunteer their own money. This is the first time anybody told us we were doing something wrong. As soon as they did, we stopped and did everything asked of us. We had to move the fireworks and they’re now stored in a safe, secure and approved location,” Slicker said.

Swordfish Grill hosting permitted fireworks display Friday night
These are some of the fireworks that will be launched near the Swordfish Grill Friday night. Rodney Kwiatkowski/WMFR | Submitted

“The fire department, the sheriff’s deputies and the bomb squad were all very kind to us and the county commissioners also helped us. We really appreciate how helpful everyone was in walking us through the permitting process,” Slicker said.

“We actually have more than twice the amount of fireworks the other local paper said we had,” he added, noting that next year’s show will be permitted in time to return to its traditional July 4 date.

The Swordfish Grill will still feature plenty of July 4 activity this year.

“We’ll have our annual hot dog eating contest at 1 p.m. and Tim Chandler will be playing. It’ll be business as usual and you can see many other fireworks shows from our deck,” Slicker said.

Island Fourth of July 101

Island Independence Day 101

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Archives.

Independence Day comes when things are slow on Anna Maria Island. Those who have not experienced this holiday on the Island would be wise to plan ahead because it’s going to be packed, it’s going to be hot, and at times, it’s going to be loud.

As for getting around, try not to have to get on or off the Island after the Anna Maria Island Privateers’ parade begins or after the Sandbar Restaurant fireworks show ends.

Manatee County Area Transit is beefing up its fleet of buses and trolleys, adding free rides to and from the Island on Manatee Avenue to 75th Street in Bradenton to help alleviate traffic jams, and it might, if people plan ahead.

The parade

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will start things off with their annual parade that runs north out of Coquina Park Bayside in Bradenton Beach around 10 a.m. For those who want to get some good pictures, Gulf Drive is wide and open up to the roundabout, south of Cortez, where it gets more crowded. The Privateers have banned the use of water balloons. The parade rolls through Holmes Beach and up to Anna Maria where it turns right on Pine Avenue and stops at South Bay Drive. That’s where the city of Anna Maria will be holding its Fourth of July celebration at City Pier Park from noon to 1:30 p.m., featuring patriotic music, hot dogs and chips.

One might want to grab a bite and refreshments at a place that offers music or entertainment. Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club, at 5325 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach, will have a barbecue from 1 to 4 p.m.; local country star Eric Von plays at Freckled Fin Irish Pub, at 5337 Gulf Drive at 2 p.m.; Harry’s Grill, at 9903 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, offers specials and entertainment all afternoon; and the Swordfish Grill and Tiki, at 4628 119th St., in Cortez, will start its hot dog eating contest at 1 p.m.

The fireworks

Those who didn’t get tickets for the dinner at the Sandbar can catch some food at a number of restaurants offering outside or air-conditioned eating. People need to plan where they can get a good view of the fireworks from the beach and should not drive their vehicles if possible. A perfect place would be within walking distance of their vacation rentals or residences. Those who plan on spending time on the beach will need sunscreen, mosquito repellent and bottled water.

Fireworks that explode or fly are illegal and even though law enforcement officers will be outnumbered, one never knows when there’s one around and they can confiscate fireworks.

Most importantly, stay under the legal limit for drinking because law enforcement will be looking for drunk drivers who will be putting themselves and others in peril.

Fireworks to bring in the New Year

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Holiday.

The Beach House restaurant at 200 Gulf Drive N. in Bradenton Beach will again be the site for the Chiles Group’s annual New Year’s fireworks display.

There will be fireworks, a DJ, photo booth, party favors and Beach House staff ready to rock in the New Year. The festivities begin at 9 p.m. and run until 1 a.m., with a fireworks show at midnight.

For those who don’t want the dinner and party package, there is ample space on the beach to watch the fireworks. For more information or to make reservations, call the Beach House at 941-779-2222.

U.S. flag

Fourth of July holiday fun

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured, Holiday.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest holidays on Anna Maria Island with a parade, a park party and fireworks at the beach.

The Anna Maria Privateers Fourth of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, south of the city of Bradenton Beach, and ends at Anna Maria City Pier. After that, the Privateers will go to the Anna Maria Island Beach Café at 4000 Gulf Drive to hand out scholarships. They will end their day with a party at D Coy Ducks in Holmes Beach.

Earlier, the Privateers asked parade participants to refrain from squirting people in the crowds with squirt guns to avoid injuring anybody or damaging cameras and cell phones, but late last week they decided to allow some squirt guns that don’t shoot a strong stream of water, according to Privateer Kim Boyd.

The park party runs from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Anna Maria City Pier Park on Pine Avenue. There will be free hot dogs, chips, liquid refreshments and patriotic music.

Finally, the Sandbar restaurant, 100 Spring Ave., will sponsor a fireworks show on the beach. It should be the only fireworks on the beach because private individuals on the Island are not allowed to shoot anything that explodes or flies. Police say that ordinance will be strictly enforced.

Parking is limited so the free trolleys are a good alternative to get there. The county will have the trolleys running late to make sure people can stay until the end of the show and still get home.

Fourth of July fireworks

Celebrate the Fourth, Island style

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will hold their Fourth of July parade with a new rule – don’t spray the observers.

The parade starts from the south entrance to Coquina Beach parking lot at approximately 10 a.m. and proceeds north to the Anna Maria City Pier. A news release said participants are not allowed to spray water from the vehicles onto the crowds along the roadway. Participants are required to register online with the Privateers.

After the parade stops, the Privateers invite everyone to the Manatee County Beach Café at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach to watch as they award this year’s scholarships to their winners.

Following that, there will be a post-parade party at D Coy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach.

Meanwhile, there is a celebration at City Pier Park at North Bay Boulevard and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria from 12:30-2 p.m. with patriotic music, free hot dogs, chips and beverages.

On Wednesday night, the Sandbar restaurant at 200 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria features its 32nd annual beachfront fireworks display, depending on the weather. The show is free from the beach, and there will be a party at the restaurant under the pavilion. VIP packages are offered; for more information, call the Sandbar at 941-778-8709.

Police will have extra personnel on duty to enforce parking and fireworks laws.

The law states fireworks that explode or fly are illegal, and if police catch violators, they will confiscate their fireworks and ticket them.

Parking is limited, and the free trolleys will run until there are no people at the stops, so officials advise drivers to plan accordingly.

Fireworks

New Year’s fireworks at Beach House

Written by Sun staff on . Posted in Entertainment, Holiday.

BRADENTON BEACH – Once again, the Beach House restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, will ring in the New Year with a fireworks show, weather permitting, at midnight.

Instead of having a party with a special menu, this year’s Beach House guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with the regular menu. This year the remodeled Beach House will offer a new deck, outside bar and sunken lounge area for the enjoyment of customers.

Longtime favorite musician and DJ Chuck Caudill will play and take requests from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Complimentary valet parking is available for restaurant patrons.

Of course there will be plenty of room on the beach to observe the fireworks. Remember, no personal fireworks, pets or alcohol will be allowed on the beach and police will beef up their presence for the safety of the crowds.

Parking will be available at the public beaches. To avoid parking hassles, take the free Island trolley or Monkey Bus. Manatee County Area Transit will run the trolley until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

For more information, call 941-778-8718.