Firework sales skyrocket while several Fourth of July displays are canceled due to COVID-19

LONGWOOD, Fla. — The sounds of fireworks will echo throughout Central Florida neighborhoods while many Fourth of July celebrations are canceled due to COVID-19, and fireworks sales are skyrocketing because of it.

Those who sell fireworks told Channel 9 that one of the reasons for the increase is because there are no big firework displays taking place due to COVID-19.

Every year, Mike Wilkins of Sanford spends hundreds of dollars on fireworks.

Read: Fourth of July celebrations: Which Central Florida events are canceled due to the pandemic?

“We do a big barbeque backyard get together every year,” Wilkins said.

This year, since there are no big fireworks shows, Wilkins may have company as he releases rockets into the sky.

“I think everyone wants to celebrate even more, you know, enjoy our freedoms, enjoy everything that we are thankful for,” Wilkins said.

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A steady stream of customers bought everything from sparklers to mortars at Pyro Spot Fireworks in Longwood.

Owner Craig LaFleur said inventory has been flying off the shelves since they opened on June 22.

“Although the majority of customers wait until the last three of four days, so that’s really our crunch time,” LaFleur said.

Read: How to protect your pets during Fourth of July fireworks

This year, the law changed, and now Floridians can shoot off fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.

“I think that’s actually had a big impact now, with too many new customers but with customers trying stuff previously they would just stick with things that stayed on the ground or small fountains. Now, they are getting a small mortar kit or an aerial to go with it,” LaFleur said.

Read: Firefighters, surgeons issue warning as fireworks are made legal in Florida

For those going bigger, LaFleur said he always encourages his customers to be safe and sober when they light fireworks, and to keep them away from children.

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