4th of July Fireworks in Virginia Beach - 2014

     This 4th of July get out and take part in some of the exciting events going on throughout the city. Sure there will be lots of tourists here but be nice! They are paying your taxes while they are here, so welcome them and make them want to return! (And pay some  more of your taxes!)
     Everybody loves a good fireworks display, well except for a few dogs I know, so make your plan to get out and see the show on the 4th and arrive early for good viewing and seating. July 4th shows will be at both the Virginia Beach oceanfront (near 20th St off a barge) and at Mt. Trashmore off 264 (near Independence Blvd). Both shows scheduled for 9:30 pm start.
     Be aware that the city of Virginia Beach (vbgov.com) has this posted:
City Reminds Citizens: All Fireworks are Illegal in Virginia Beach
Every year, adults and children are seriously injured and fires are ignited by people setting off fireworks across the city. In a joint effort to promote safety this Fourth of July holiday, the Virginia Beach Fire Marshal’s Office and the Virginia Beach Police Department are urging citizens not to use fireworks. During last year’s holiday weekend, the Fire Department responded to 21 fireworks-related incidents.

The Fire Marshal’s Office has teamed up with the Virginia Beach Police Department to form the Fireworks Enforcement Team.  The team will confiscate illegal fireworks and issue summonses. The teams will be in Sandbridge, the North End (54th to 89th streets), Chicks Beach and Croatan.  In addition, three teams will patrol citywide. The purpose of these patrols is to ensure safe communities from illegal fireworks.  There will not be any amnesty checkpoints this year. 
Citizens are reminded that all fireworks are illegal in Virginia Beach, including sparklers, which burn at 1,800 degrees.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s 2010 US Fireworks Injury Report, there were 8,600 fireworks-related injuries in 2010 – an alarming 40 percent of these involving children under the age of 15.

Possessing illegal fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.  Citizens are encouraged to attend fireworks shows at Mount Trashmore and the Oceanfront. Residents and visitors attending the Fourth of July fireworks at the Oceanfront can park for free at the Virginia Beach Convention Center parking lot on 19th Street. The fireworks extravaganza, launched from a barge off 20th Street, will begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. {End quote}
     Have a fun and safe 4th!