Dec 30, 2024
The use of fireworks on Biscayne Bay or in any residential area in the city of Miami Beach other than on three holidays a year is set to be prohibited, city commissioners have decided. “The proposed ordinance is to help preserve the health of Biscayne Bay,” said Commissioner Laura Dominguez at December’s meeting, “and [it] reduces the risk of water contamination and protects sea life from disruptive chemicals and debris associated with fireworks displays.” This is also a quality-of-life issue, said Ms. Dominguez, as many residents “have come forward with concerns regarding the disruptions caused by the fireworks.” Biscayne Bay is home to a vast array of marine life including endangered species, says the commission memo accompanying the legislation. It has been shown fireworks release harmful chemicals, debris and “pollutants into the air and water, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems, including water contamination and harm to aquatic life disrupting their natural behaviors and polluting their habitat,” the memo says. Additionally, fireworks in residential areas have been associated with public safety concerns such as fire hazards and property damage, according to the memo. The proposed ordinance carves out exceptions as to when fireworks are permitted in order to comply with state laws and is to face city officials for a final vote in February. “If anybody’s seen the images from the fireworks at the Palm, Star and Hibiscus islands over the weekend,” said Commissioner Tanya Bhatt, “the fact that we haven’t done this already … shame on us for not having thought of this. I know we’ve already banned fireworks on the beach, and we should be doing the same thing for the bay side. We are in compliance with the state law, which is New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve and July 4, but otherwise fireworks are not permitted.” Related Posts:Beach looks to ban bikes, roller blades on much of BaywalkSoccer stadium site gets airport’s clearance for takeoffCity’s oldest structure, Collins Canal, may get…Miami Beach erecting barriers to new non-oceanfront hotelsMiami Beach ponders a homeless drop-in centerThe post Miami Beach lights the fuse that will limit fireworks displays appeared first on Miami Today.
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