- December 16, 2025
The fireworks exploded July Fourth to the delight of the crowds lining Highway A1A, in Flagler Beach, celebrating the 235th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
And despite the occasional illegal firework being lit by beachgoers far from the official launching pad of the Flagler Beach Pier, the night was largely uneventful.
According to Flagler County Sheriff Donald Fleming, the agency responded to 60 calls in regard to fireworks. Some fireworks were confiscated, and other people were given warnings. Spokeswoman Debra Johnson added that even those who were warned quickly came into compliance.
“On the whole, countywide, I think people did a great job restraining themselves from using fireworks,” Fleming said.
Palm Coast City Manager Jim Landon added via email: “We were very pleased that most people respected the fire danger and refrained from lighting fireworks this year.”
The fireworks show at Flagler Beach almost didn’t happen. A 4-1 vote in an emergency meeting called by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners July 1 allowed for a temporary holiday from the burn ban, which has been in effect for months because of severe drought conditions.
The emergency order allowed only a professional display within the Flagler Beach city limits.
The commission had discussed temporarily lifting the ban twice before but decided against it, despite Flagler Fire Chief Don Petito’s opinion that fireworks would be safe over the ocean.
Andrew O’Brien contributed to this story.
