Members of the City of Atlantic’s Community Protection Committee met Tuesday evening to discuss, among other things, possible changes to fireworks displays. The committee chose to leave in-place, an ordinance that says it is not legal to set off fireworks within 300-feet of any public school buildings, assisted living facility, or hospital. Also, fireworks can only be shot-off on private property. Atlantic Police will crack down on issuing warnings and tickets to those who were warned last year about violating the ordinance.

Violators will be subject to a $250 fine plus $85 in court costs. Anyone who was previously found guilty of violating the ordinance, may be subject to a $600 fine plus court costs if they are a repeat offender. The ordinance allows residents of Atlantic to set off fireworks from Noon until 10-p.m. July 2nd and 3rd. Displays are allowed on July 4th, from Noon until 11-p.m. The Committee urges residents of Atlantic to respect the wishes of their neighbors, if they complain about the noise and light show during the late night hours.

The State of Iowa says licensed retailers and community groups will be allowed to sell the fireworks to adults out of permanent structures, between June 1st and July 8th. Fireworks may be sold by licensed vendors using temporary structures, such as tents, from June 13th to July 8th.