The City of Petoskey has joined a growing list of municipalities banning larger, consumer fireworks. The fireworks, which were legalized across the state in 2012, are now banned in Petoskey except on the day before, the day of and the day after a federal holiday.
City Public Safety Director John Calabrese says Petoskey chose the most restrictive option allowed under current state law. Even on those days when fireworks are allowed, in Petoskey they must go silent from 1:00am to 8:00 am.
He says there are always complaints about fireworks near holidays, but especially last year on July 4th.
“The fireworks continued on past midnight and then well into the early morning hours,” he says. “That was kind of upsetting to some people, especially some of our older residents and then some families who had children who were trying to sleep.”
In 2012 there was a surge of complaints across the state, after state lawmakers legalized consumer fireworks. Last year the Legislature tweaked the law to allow local communities to ban fireworks most of the year.