Fireworks: Love 'em or hate 'em

For some residents of Floradan Estates, July 4th and Town Day are days to dread rather than to look forward to. That's because they hate the smell, the smoke and the pollutants that descend on their neighborhood and its 98 homes after the fireworks are set off at Town Park next door. They also can't bear watching their pets terrified by the noise and worry about the impact on birds, deer and other animals from the stress. Some residents make plans to go away for the night. Or, as one who stays said, "I usually turn up the TV,  put my earplugs in, turn on the air purifier, and hope it’s over soon."

Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur has heard the complaints but for now sees no alternative. "I am sympathetic," says Jolicoeur. "My dog shakes like a leaf, but people definitely want their fireworks." She noted that when she recently appeared at the Conservative Party caucus seeking its endorsement, she was asked whether she would commit to maintaining the tradition. For now, she says the fireworks will continue twice a year unless the rest of the Town Board and the community want otherwise.

Former Supervisor Sam Oliverio is among those who wishes the tradition would end. He says he always voted against having fireworks when he was on the Town Board, citing environmental degradation, the impact on pets and veterans, and the cost of the display. But, he said, "Majority rules." While the town used to set off fireworks only on Town Day, several years ago Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi added a display on July 4th. Oliverio says he's especially worried about launching them tomorrow when the ground is bone dry. "All it takes is is one particle in dead grass and then you've got people trying to fight the fire in 100 degree heat. I would cancel it," he said. In response to this week's heatwave, the town has pushed back the start time of the celebration by one hour, to 8pm.

Oliverio wishes the town would consider alternatives, such as drone light shows, an example of which he saw recently at Jones Beach on Long Island. Though they might be expensive, Oliverio says they wouldn't produce the burned sulfur, potassium extract and pounds of refuse and burned shells that litter the field afterward. "That stuff is toxic," Oliverio said. "It's just not good overall."

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