OKEECHOBEE — During their April 1 meeting, the Okeechobee City Council nembers heard from members of the public regarding firework sales.

Jason Ferrell  told the council he owns a business within the city limits and would like to be able to sell fireworks. He said the county allows them to be sold, and it gives outsiders an unfair advantage. They can just throw up a tent and start selling, he said. He said he is not asking to be able to sell illegal fireworks that shoot up in the air. He was thinking more along the lines of sparklers and the little tanks that roll a foot or two and them shoot with a loud bang.

Attorney Stephen Conteaguero said, "It would be different if they were selling surface to air missiles."

Another local business owner, Anita Nunez told the council she would like to be able to sell fireworks. She is trying to raise money to put on the fireworks show for the community like last year. She added that the state gives the city the right to set their own rules governing the sale of fireworks. 

Several council members said they did not have a problem with putting this item on the agenda and would like to hear what the county rules are so if they made changes, they could mirror what the county does.

City Administrator Gary Ritter said he would get the information to the so they could have the two reading for the ordinance as soon as possible.