With conditions still very dry, on Tuesday 6/27/06 Walton Commissioners issued a 90-day ban on private fireworks. The recommendation does not include sparklers nor does it include licensed permits. The ban does not cover the municipalities so the City of DeFuniak Springs fireworks display is not under the ban, the 4th of July fireworks display is allowed. Other displays put on by a private group can still take place if the entity has a permit through the county. Emergency Response Director Ed Baltzley said even after the recent rains they are still fighting wildfires. Under the ban, the small fireworks legal for sale in Florida cannot be used. Sparklers and permitted displays are the only exceptions. Fires on the beach are not allowed under the still active ban against burn barrels, pit fires and open fires. Outdoor cooking such as grilling is allowed.
