Palm Beach asks West Palm to reconsider fireworks in Fourth of July celebration
Mayor Danielle Moore sent a letter to West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James imploring the city to reconsider its use of fireworks, about which council members shared concerns regarding environmental and noise pollution.
"Traditional fireworks, while visually appealing, have well-documented environmental consequences," Moore wrote in the letter dated March 5. She pointed to air and water pollution, plastic and metal waste, and effects on wildlife and domesticated animals.
"As environmental stewardship remains a priority for our community, we encourage the exploration of sustainable alternatives" including drones, rice paper confetti cannons and bubble displays, Moore wrote.
Council President Bobbie Lindsay raised the issue at the March 4 meeting as council members approved Palm Beach's annual sponsorship — which is $12,000 for this year's event — and was the lone dissenting vote. Council member Julie Araskog was absent.
Lindsay watched last year's 4th on Flagler display and said she left the celebration wondering about the effects of the fallen fireworks debris on wildlife in and near the Intracoastal Waterway.
Citing additional concerns about noise pollution and concerns for dogs and people who are affected by loud noises, she suggested the town should take a stronger stance to 'lead and not follow' on the issue, pointing to other places where drones or lasers are used instead of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.
West Palm Beach at this point most likely is moving forward with fireworks for this year's event, Moore noted during the meeting.
In her letter to James, Moore said that Palm Beach's council is willing to offer a larger annual contribution for the 4th on Flagler event, given the potential increase in costs should West Palm Beach switch to a fireworks alternative such as drones.
During the council meeting, President Pro-Tem Lew Crampton suggested that a letter from Moore could remind West Palm Beach 'of how great they are on environmental issues, but pointing out the incongruity of these polluting fireworks.'
Council members Ted Cooney and Bridget Moran said that they would support increasing the town's contribution in future years to cover the possible additional cost of a non-fireworks option.
Fireworks explode and release lung-damaging gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, according to the American Lung Association. Fireworks also can startle wildlife and birds, leading to serious injuries or deaths, according to an NPR report.
But fireworks companies, supporters and advocates, including the National Fireworks Association, have said that fireworks have value for entertainment and other purposes, while emphasizing the importance of following safety guidelines.
Many large cities throughout the U.S. have transitioned to drone shows instead of fireworks because of concerns for the environment. The drones, which have LED lights, can be programmed to create myriad shapes and patterns in a range of brilliant colors, CBS News reported in 2023.
Florida cities including Miami Beach, Lauderhill and Ocala now use drones instead of fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations, according to multiple media reports.
Some places that are dry and prone to fires — Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boulder, Colorado, among them — also transitioned to drones because of concerns about falling fireworks debris causing blazes, Newsweek reported.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach asks West Palm to consider not using fireworks on July 4
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