Where to See Fireworks on July 4th, 2012

[Kurt]

The following July Fourth holiday activities are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Beachfront locations are listed west to east:


Hilton Sandestin Beach -9pm
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa presents a fireworks Show begins at 9pm, with beach chair rentals available for a fee. Seating for the show begins at 7:30pm. More info at www.sandestinbeachhilton.com.


The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort – 6pm
Enjoy kids’ activities including face-painting and balloon sculpting beginning at 6pm, with live music by The Shrimpboat Cowboys from 7-9pm and fireworks show at 9:15pm. More info at www.sandestin.com.


WaterColor Resort -9pm
The WaterColor Inn & Resort celebrates the holiday with fireworks on the beach at 9pm. (An all-inclusive Celebration Picnic on the Beach at 7pm requires reservations and paid admission.) More info at www.watercolorresort.com.


Seaside -7pm
Stars & Stripes at Seaside features a live performance by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, with special guest, Time for Three, followed by the largest fireworks display on 30A at 9pm, simulcast on 30A Radio (107.1FM). More info at www.seasidefl.com.


Alys Beach – 9am & 7pm
Local master sand sculptor Mark Flynn teaches sandcastle building from 9-11am. At 7pm, the Summer Concert Series continues with the Atlanta All-Stars in the Amphitheater, followed by fireworks at 9pm. Bring blankets or low-back chairs for seating. More info at www.alysbeach.com.


Rosemary Beach - 7:30am – 9 pm
The 4th of July Celebration begins with a bike parade in North Barrett Square, followed by Family Field Day on Western Green from 9-11am. There’s a barbecue from 5-7pm on Eastern Green, a concert from 6:30 -8:30pm, and fireworks finale at 8:45pm. More info at www.rosemarybeach.com.

 

[Kurt]

Fireworks are dangerous and most are illegal in the state of Florida. Under Florida law, only novelty-type fireworks are legal for consumer usage, and anything that flies in the air or explodes is prohibited. A public service announcement airing over local radio stations reinforces the message.


South Walton Fire District Fire Chief Rick Talbert says he understands that out-of-state visitors have many opportunities to purchase fireworks as they travel to South Walton, but he wants to make it clear that fireworks that explode or fly through the air are illegal and will be confiscated, adding, “We encourage visitors and locals to attend one of the many free fireworks displays scheduled for the holiday, instead of risking their safety and the safety of their neighbors with dangerous and illegal fireworks.”


Exploding fireworks present a safety hazard that mandates a zero tolerance policy toward individuals who use, sell or possess illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday, according to Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.

“Deputies will be in full force this year to ensure our citizens and visitors remain safe while they celebrate,” advises Sheriff Adkinson. “If the Sheriff’s Office receives complaints of illegal fireworks, we will respond to the scene and we will confiscate them. Not only is it a safety issue, it’s against the law.”

Section 791.04, Chapter 791 of Florida Statute classifies using illegal fireworks as a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

“The Fourth of July is a time for families to celebrate. Setting off your own fireworks is not worth getting yourself in trouble over, and it’s certainly not worth risking everyone’s safety.” Sheriff Adkinson continues, “The great thing about Walton County is there are so many opportunities offered in our area for families to enjoy the holiday without the necessity of purchasing such items that could lead to a terrible outcome.”


Legal fireworks include sparklers, snake or glow worms, trick noisemakers, party poppers, snappers and other similar fireworks that contain small amounts of pyrotechnic materials that typically do not leave the ground. “Just because sparklers are allowed does not mean they are without risk,” advises South Walton Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “These fireworks burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and remain hot for several minutes after burning out. Parents should never allow children to hold sparklers without very close adult supervision.”


For a complete list of safety guidelines, visit http://www.swfd.org/fireworks.php.