Summer is upon us and Independence Day family celebrations are a big part of our community history. Food, games and fellowship will soon begin starting this weekend. The police department and the City of Italy would like everyone to have a great time… only without fireworks.

Fireworks in the city are dangerous. With many older frame structures and current dry conditions, fireworks can create a hazardous condition in a short period of time. A person could be held liable both civilly and criminally for damages caused by neglectful discharge of fireworks.

In case you did not know, the City of Italy has an ordinance banning the possession and use of fireworks throughout the City limits. That means, even if you purchase fireworks outside the city limits and bring them into the city, a person may be prosecuted for that violation as well as actual use of fireworks. Violators could be fined up to $500.00 for each offense.

Let’s make 2013 a safe and enjoyable year for our community and avoid any use of fireworks.