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ITEM: ORDINANCE NO. 2021-09 (FIREWORKS PROHIBITED WITHIN EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE AREA)
AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA'S COUNCIL AMENDING CHAPTER 36 ENTITLED OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS TO CREATE A NEW ARTICLE 6 ENTITLED FIREWORKS WITHIN THE EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE AREA; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REQUEST: Approval on First Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-09 Fireworks Prohibited in Equestrian Preserve Area.
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EXPLANATION: Wellington is known as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World and houses thousands of horses within its Equestrian Preserve Area during the winter months.
It is well documented that horses are startled by loud noises and sudden flashing lights and are particularly frightened by fireworks. In fact, numerous equine publications provide articles and tips for helping horses handle the stress of fireworks displays, and there is concern for both the safety of the horse and the horse owner during these events. It is very common for horses to gallop, sweat and tremble when "spooked" by the loud noise and flashing of fireworks, and this can result in cuts, strains and sprains in these prized animals.
Each year Wellington receives many requests for assistance from those within the equestrian community, who are very concerned about the stress and anxiety experienced by their horses during these events, and who fear for the safety of their horses. Although Chapter 791 of the Florida Statutes generally prohibits the sale and use of fireworks except as specified therein, section 791.08 permits the sale and use of such fireworks on certain designated holidays. During the 2021 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed HB 979, a Local Bill put forward by Wellington, relating to regulation of fireworks within Wellington's Equestrian Preserve Area. The bill provides an exception to the general law, and allows Wellington to prohibit the use...
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