Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida are gearing up for a safe Fourth of July weekend by increasing lifeguard staff and banning personal fireworks.
Safety Precautions
Due to the current burn bans in both counties, the use of personal fireworks is strictly prohibited. Assistant Fire Chief Tim Dorsey emphasized that fireworks pose a significant threat to fire safety and should be avoided entirely.
Lifeguard Chief Luis Rodriguez stated that emergency teams are planning robust beach coverage to keep swimmers safe across the regional keys throughout the busy holiday stretch. The Sarasota County Fire Department’s lifeguards will be fully staffed, with over 20 guards on duty on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Community Reaction
Local residents and visitors are excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Lakewood Ranch resident Mari Iza expressed her gratitude for the nation’s milestone celebration, while visitor Christopher Nelson shared his excitement for the historic anniversary.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.