If you're in Manatee County and dreaming of a cozy, crackling fire this holiday season, you'll have to dream on. The Manatee County Public Safety Department has extended the already-in-place countywide burn ban through Monday at 11:59 p.m., citing ongoing dry conditions in the area. The announcement, made via a social media post, serves as a firm reminder to residents that the risk of fire is still too high for open flames to be safe.
Not all flames are banned, however; there are exceptions. Grilling your holiday steaks is still okay, as long as the grill is attended at all times. And farmers can breathe a sigh of relief as the Florida Forest Service-approved agricultural burns remain permissible. Those looking forward to public fireworks displays won't be disappointed either, they're still on as long as they come with proper permits and ready fire suppression resources.
Additionally, distress signals, such as flares discharged over the Gulf, are exempt from the ban, underscoring the balance between public safety and the necessity of certain activities. The Public Safety Department's post specifically mentions that proper supervision or approval is crucial for the allowed activities, implying a degree of trust in the community's ability to manage these exceptions responsibly.
Lest we forget, the department's message bears an implicit plea: let's not let our guard down. "Let’s keep the holidays safe — a little extra caution now helps protect our community all season long," the post reads
