Firework sales expected to skyrocket

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Sales of consumer fireworks are expected to boom this year.

The owner of Frankie’s Fireworks at Airport Pulling Road and Davis Boulevard in East Naples says he’s seen sales increase by 30 percent the past couple of years. He expects the same increase this year.

“We’ve had a lot of people stop and just look at the prices,” said Beth De La Rosa with Frankie’s Fireworks.

The manager at Phantom Fireworks in South Fort Myers also expects their numbers to climb once July 2 hits.

“Human nature, everybody waits until the last minute,” said manager, Danny Billic.  “So on the third and the fourth, this place will be jam-packed.”

The American Pyrotechnics Association says they’re seeing the same trend nationwide.  The group expects this year’s sales to top $725 million. That’s $30 million more than last year.

The group says there are several reasons why, including a stronger economy, less drought conditions and more relaxed firework regulations across the country. De La Rosa says that could help Frankie’s Fireworks, too.

“Hopefully that’s going to increase our clientele this year,” said De La Rosa.