Illegal fireworks sold freely in Charlotte, Lee counties

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has issued an easy-to-remember reminder about Fourth of July fireworks. “If it launches or explodes, it’s illegal,” said spokesman Bob Carpenter. An exception is allowed if used for agriculture purposes such as farmers scaring off crows. Fireworks can cause severe injuries or death, and are also responsible for starting fires, Carpenter said. That's a real concern in drought-stricken Southwest Florida. Yet in Charlotte County numerous businesses and many temporary tent facilities sell fireworks. "It's the fallacy of the law," Carpenter said.

Customers sign a release at fireworks retailers saying they will only use the firecrackers for agricultural purposes or will discharge them out of the state. "That's how they get around it," carpenter said. "Legislative people don't plug those loopholes. Not until someone gets hurt."

Carpenter said arrests are few and far between for the misdemeanor offense.

"I don't know if we've ever made an arrest," Carpenter said. "If we get a complaint we go out and tell them to cease and desist."