Can laws be ignored if enough notice is given?

[Smiling JOe]

Well the comment was made on another thread, yes that is where I was ultimately heading, that the whole festival should just be ignored since it was such a great benefit and it was only one weekend and everyone knew about it way in advance.

I was kind of following that line of thought and wondered just how far we should take things?

In that case, I think with proper limitations, and permits, particular laws should be temporarily suspended to accommodate things such as special events.

It seems the local law enforcement chooses to ignore the law breakers on Independence Day. Shooting illegal fireworks is done by many people, and that would need to be addressed by something other than "Special Event" rules, as it is not only one organization shooting them. I can think back to Athens GA, where the city laws regarding open container (alcohol) were suspended on game days and on the Twilight Criterium (one of the largest nightime Bicycle races in the nation). I think it was as much a problem with not being able to enforce the laws, as it was anything else.

 

[ShallowsFuzz]

"Don't look Ethel !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Bravo Punzy




I love ya Wrobert, but I won't be covering this one unless you wrap one of your campaign signs around you and make a run for it.


ok...I'm lying.I will cover it

A campaign sign???

 

[wrobert]

A campaign sign???

I know, Fuzz. They are still much too small.

 

[ShallowsNole]

I am just going to keep typing until the urge to post what I really want to say passes...

But, as far as fireworks, you would need everybody employed by the WCSO, including the ladies in the office, on the beach to even begin to make a dent on the 4th of July. And then the 331 Causeway would be uncovered. It is just unenforceable. Best you can hope for is that they will pick up after themselves. :roll:

 

[Smiling JOe]

I bring up the illegal fireworks issue because it is basically the people collectively ignoring the law, and the law enforcement ignoring the fact that the people are ignoring the law, all without an official permit. The only differences between this and Seabreeze Jazz Fest is that Seabreeze Jazz Fest collects admission and has an organizer/promoter.

 

[Matt J]

Although fireworks have been illegal in Florida my entire life, we have usually shot some off at family reunions and such. However we generally follow some guidelines:

Only the person lighting them near them.
Only setting them off over the water.
Only setting them off with little to no wind.
Only setting them off if no one complains.

While all fireworks are not illegal in Florida, the incredibly boring ones available just don't seem to get the same reaction as a 1000 ft. blast of shimmering sparks.

I'm not saying that any of this makes fireworks less illegal or dangerous, but I do think that with a little common sense you'll be fine. As to the drunks that chase each other with roman candles please do so away from me and near an open gas line.

 

[ShallowsNole]

One piece of advice - if you are approached by law enforcement, do NOT shoot a roman candle at them. Not only might you spend the rest of the evening indoors, someone else (in the old days, it would be the cops) will later enjoy your pretty fireworks.

 

[Matt J]

One piece of advice - if you are approached by law enforcement, do NOT shoot a roman candle at them. Not only might you spend the rest of the evening indoors, someone else (in the old days, it would be the cops) will later enjoy your pretty fireworks.

That's just stupid, we always played ignorant and prayed they didn't ask for ID.

 

[rapunzel]

Well the comment was made on another thread, yes that is where I was ultimately heading, that the whole festival should just be ignored since it was such a great benefit and it was only one weekend and everyone knew about it way in advance.

I was kind of following that line of thought and wondered just how far we should take things?

I think it comes down to this...

Do we want to embrace the philosophy of New Urbanism? Of public spaces used fully and frequently?

Do we want to be a sharing community?

Or do we want authoritarian ideals? To value the individual over the community? Do we want to take the attitude, "My property rights trump your community building activities, so screw off!"?

 

[dgsevier]

Suspension of Ordinances

A municipality may suspend their ordinances, laws, and rules or grant temporary variances, i.e. parking for carnivals, festivals, etc. Not state or federal laws. Every government has some sort of parade or special use permit. Usually these are handled administratively and are are placed on the consent or "rubber stamp" agenda for council or commission approval. Usually perfunctory business unless there is a cause for concern or safety.