Firework sales increase as people plan to host their own shows

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As firework shows are cancelled at Jacksonville Beach and in St. Augustine, some families are thinking about shooting off their own fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Sales at Phantom Fireworks in St. Augustine are better than last year according to Manager Candice Raulerson.

“We’re anticipating a little bit busier weekend than last year due to it being on Saturday and a lot of activities are not available for a lot of families. So they want to do their own little get togethers at their residence,” Raulerson said.

Another change this year is that in April, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law allowing for Floridians to set off fireworks on certain holidays, including Fourth of July. This means that people do not need to buy fireworks to scare off birds.

“It made a lot more people more comfortable with buying the fireworks at first,” Raulerson said. “They have always been a little sketchy, but now they feel a bit more comfortable.”

However fireworks are prohibited in the city limits of St. Augustine and Jacksonville unless it is approved by the Fire Marshal.

If one does want to set off their own fireworks, there are several safety precautions you should take.

“Have a fire extinguisher nearby, have your hose drawn out that way it’s accessible. You can a few hours prior your show, you can wet your grass that way when you do bring out your items later, your grass is not as dry. Like if it hasn’t rained in a few days in your area. Always have a bucket of water nearby for the sparklers,” Raulerson said. “Start off with the small things to see your comfort level and then go up to the aerial items if you feel comfortable with that and just make sure you read directions, make sure you know you’re staying safe and no using of alcohol while shooting off fireworks as well.”