Hillsborough would have joined 22 of Florida's 67 counties that had taken similar steps. Citrus and Hernando banned only the use of fireworks this week. Pasco implemented a bit stiffer rule, prohibiting the sale and use of fireworks in unincorporated areas between Monday and July 5. Other municipalities, including Dade City, Port Richey, New Port Richey and Zephyrhills, either adopted or agreed to adopt similar orders. Hillsborough County Administrator Dan Kleman said each vendor who has received permits to sell fireworks will be given a copy of the governor's order.
Questions remain about enforcing the ban.
Tom DePolis, chief deputy for the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office, said enforcement is impossible because so many fireworks already have been sold. A St. Petersburg police spokesman said officials planned to devise a strategy for enforcing the ban but hoped residents would do their part. I would hope that people would understand that and understand the seriousness of that. Residents who want a fireworks fix will have to follow the lead of the Midence family of Tampa. Fireworks displays still are planned for downtown St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater, among other places.