Beach closures and fireworks for the July 4th holiday weekend
June 30, 2020
Naples, FL (June 30, 2020) – The City of Naples continues to actively monitor the evolving novel coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency and is coordinating efforts with local agencies, health officials, healthcare providers, first responders, and other critical emergency response functions. The following provides an update to the community on upcoming restrictions.
The following will become effective Wednesday, July 1st at 7 a.m. through 7 a.m., Tuesday, July 7th:
Parking:
- City of Naples and Collier County beach parking permits ONLY
- No hourly beach parking (metered parking)
- No parking on residential streets unless in properly marked parking areas
- Fines remain at $200 with no early payment discount
- Illegally parked vehicles will be towed
The following restriction will apply to the upcoming July 4th weekend (7 a.m., Friday, July 3rd through 7 a.m., Tuesday, July 7th):
Beaches Regulated visiting hours: *Pets are not allowed on the beach at any time.
- 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Chairs and umbrellas allowed (tents, grills, and coolers prohibited)
- Walking, running, swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding allowed
- 5 p.m. – sunset
- ONLY chairs and umbrellas allowed. (Tents, grills, and coolers prohibited)
- Bathrooms will be open only when beaches are open
- City Pier is CLOSED to foot traffic and fishing
- City Dock is CLOSED to foot traffic. Fuel sales and charter fishing is allowed
- City Landings (boat ramp) is open
- Fireworks are prohibited on the beach at all times
Fireworks:
According to Florida State Statue 791.08, effective April 4, 2020, it is now legal to use fireworks on Independence Day (July 4), New Year’s Eve (December 31), and New Year’s Day (January 1). Fireworks are defined as anything that blows up or shoots into the air. Igniting fireworks any other day of the year is considered illegal if done without a permit and is punishable as a first-degree misdemeanor.
The new law states that homeowner associations in gated communities may not enact or enforce bylaws that would contradict this new law.
Fireworks can, however, be deemed illegal on the three permitted holidays if a countywide burn ban is in effect.
Sparklers are always legal in Florida. A sparkler is defined as anything that is handheld or ground base which produces sparks upon burning but does not detonate or explode.
Please note that City Ordinance 24-202 remains in effect and prohibits the possession or use of any fireworks, including sparklers, on the beaches of the city, in the public parks of the city, on the city fishing pier and parking area or on the beach access or street end rights-of-way west of Gulf Shore Boulevard in the city – even on these holidays.
