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INSIDER

4TH OF JULY

Volusia, Flagler beaches prepare for busy holiday weekend with added COVID-19 precautions

Chilly said she’s not too concerned about a crowded Flagler Beach and said people are doing a good job spreading themselves out. So, I think if they know where to go for the shuttle, I think it'll make it a lot easier," said Chilly. In Volusia County, social distancing signs pepper the beaches to remind folks to space out. "When they're directed to park in their pointed spot, you're already social distancing," said Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley. Outside, sunshine, social distancing, following the guidelines that we have,” said Kelley.

‘I could see straight through my hand:' COVID-19 sparks boom in fireworks sales, ignites worry over injuries

CNN reported that last year, more than 7,000 people reported injuries related to fireworks around the Fourth of July period, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Stephen Smith is the owner of Sky King Fireworks in Longwood and said it's been busy ahead of the Fourth of July weekend. ”I just remember it went off and I looked down and could see straight through my hand,” Baker said. It may seem like a lot of fun, but fireworks are dangerous explosives and people need to be extremely cautious when using them.”Another safety risk is hand sanitizer. You’ve probably been using it en masse recently to help curb the spread of COVID-19, but experts say that hand sanitizer and fireworks are an incredibly dangerous mix.

Orange City cancels summer fireworks show, donates money to food pantry

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – The Orange City Council voted Tuesday to cancel its Fireworks and Fun independence event this summer, citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Fireworks and Fun had been scheduled for June 27. The city said it will donate $10,000, a large portion of the money it will save by not hosting the event, to the Orange City United Methodist Church for its daily food pantry to serve the community. “It wasn’t easy to cancel our annual fireworks; it’s such a great time for everyone, but there isn’t a safe way to do it this year," Mayor Gary Blair said. The church gives away groceries, one bag per family per week, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to noon and every third Saturday.

News 6 hosts annual Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 is excited to be apart of one Orlando's favorite Fourth of July traditions -- Fireworks at the Fountain. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Lake Eola, nestled in the heart of downtown. The city of Orlando recommends parking in garages west of Orange Avenue, less than a one mile walk to Lake Eola. Designated areas for handicap parking can be found on Rosiland Avenue between Jackson Street and Central Boulevard. The police officers will help direct you to handicap parking as you approach the road closure.

FWC reminds to watch for nesting shorebirds, sea turtles this 4th of July

Wildlife officials asked beachgoers to respect shorebird and sea turtle areas that are posted to protect the vulnerable species, but pointed out that not all nests are posted. Shorebirds on Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts are nesting now, with many of them watching over flightless chicks. July is also a busy time for sea turtle nesting on Florida beaches, and female sea turtles can become disoriented and fail to lay their eggs if disturbed by bright lights, loud noises and people getting too close to them. Sea turtle hatchlings are also beginning to emerge this month. Boaters also can help conserve wildlife by looking out for and avoiding manatees and sea turtles in coastal waters.