Monroe County Fire Marshal's Office: 'Leave it to the Professionals'

The Monroe County Fire Marshal's Office wants everyone to have a fun and, most importantly, a safe 4^th of July week. Please leave fireworks displays to the professionals.

"Discharge of fireworks can lead to loss of life and property," said Monroe County Fire Marshal Craig Marston. "Fireworks can burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, including sparklers, which can cause real damage when not handled properly."

All professional fireworks in unincorporated Monroe County must be permitted through the Monroe County Fire Marshal's Office. The Fire Marshal's Office approved the following fireworks displays in unincorporated Monroe County (all times are approximate):

• July 3 - Big Pine Key Community Park at 9 p.m.
• July 4 - Hawks Cay Resort at Duck Key at 10 p.m.
• July 4 - Bungalows Key Largo Resort at 10 p.m.
• July 4 - Sundowners in Key Largo at 9:15 p.m.
• July 4 - Ocean Reef Club around 9 p.m.

There are additional displays in some municipalities.

**If you live near fireworks shows, you may want to soothe your pets and keep them indoors.

Here are a few ideas provided by the National Fire Prevention Association to get into the patriotic spirit without fireworks:

1. Glow sticks: A safe alternative to a sparkler.

2. Noisemakers: Make your own if you can't find any.

3. Outdoor movie night: Set up a screen and projector.

4. Make a patriotic craft with the family.

5. Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don't forget the cake.

For more information on fireworks permitting, please visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/fireworks. Monroe County also lists other permitted fireworks displays on this page for reference, including for special events like weddings.

As a reminder, Monroe County government offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, and will reopen for regular business on Friday morning.

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