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Dicussion/Action re: Drought conditions and the imposition of prohibitions on teh sale and use of fireworks, novelties, trick noise makers and sparklers. 06/25/98 04:22 S. SCOTT VANDERGRIFT REALTORS P.08 f:OV'8 COMM . FICE TEL :904-488_4Q 2 Jun 25 15:39• t!4-i -" WWv V OFFICE IVL • 74"1 '+4•J •Y•!•IL 98 ♦J•V:/ kik. . . //. di--- ' .14\a STATr OPS FLOP. • 1 ,T,'•1� L^ rpgs^ A s Pyr r ffi>G1� of 1 nc ry ,x�,o' 4 ;?4') 4' t.4..." THE CAPITOL i , TALLAHASSEE,FLORIDA 31399.001! 1 A W ON CHILES `''',4:, ,- GOVERNOR }�; . y,,• re ,, , .'". 't 1 t. ti MEMORANDUM " ;:1 , U M ; �.1.Vii; .,- ,� i� ; DATE: tune 25. ]498 . a ;; ``s. TO: Florida Media ,':5, 4,., 4 , t}. PROM: Edic Curley 4 `:+'' r> RE: Governor Chiles Interview on Fireworks Ban .- .,• �. . '.. ,;,411141,t4 .IE Governor Lawton Chiles will make a statement today regarding forest fires and , , , jf ;” the executive order issued banning the sale and use of fireworks, The Governor's , 4 ,;.:N-.1,- :, .. address is being made courtesy of WCJA in Gainesville and the University oft ~ Florida Public Television.inion. The address will be availeble at the following G +, • •k ''. coordinates: 4:30n.mk 4:45p.m. :,.,. m x r SBS 6 ' ;: ,f ,- Transponder 5 ,t .::, ;; Downlink 11.823 Horizontal '' Auaio: 5,76 � 4• OR . �„ • 4i. ,e e - :`s!R .n '.tetiw.. .4; 9 apacenet s . .t: to d 4 r 22 U `` tilt ` Audio: 6.2 and 6.8 ... : , a- ;Hr�,'. Should you have additional questions, please contact me at (850)488.51N `' 'i t¢. `' w:1.. ''Ii'i''Ii'i >> 9 At 06/25i98 04:1? S. SCOTT vANDERGR I FT REALTORS P.04 i»kC UT N_O IDA' h`.' .,.. 1e t ' it S 4N-7 • The High Drought Index is a measure of the moisture in the soil, It also takes into ., account the temperature, average rainfall and actual rainfall in a given area. An index,, , . of 800 Indicates desert conditions. Currently, most Division of Forestry districts i.;;;,::!:;‘,. measure well above /0G many as high as 790, va , 7° . • Many areas of the state are )0 inches below the average rainfall for this time of year. ' `, j sa , • Humidity levels have been much lower than usual because of a high pressure sysiem :: 4;r -`� that has lingered off the Gulf The drier an increases the potential for tires. R'T ° ;:x • The humidity is now beginning to rise, bringing afternoon thunderstorms to many = t".'. ; the rain i being, offset t'1 ;,:...‘ata,,,"^ ' x ai'eaS of the state. However, the positive impact of rain is &rg offset by the «t,,, .- g accompanying lightning, About 80 percent of the fires have been as a result of ' '' '...,-,:!.r../4• 04;�err., y��i�; • The thick smoke is making it difficult for firefighters to locate new fire outbreaks. . , y, w}IA,j9[J CAN DO '1'0 HELY J % • Refrain from burning yard trash ` a ',` • Don't throw lit cigarettes or other materials out of the car window. a',t,�' i • Clear away brad; and other yard debris around house to create a buffer and reduce the ;."i; :` :t >;' amount of fuel for fires. ' ` • Be especially careful when cookingon outdoor rills. Never leave cooking areas >. i.:41-•7 unattended• .-....:\,*,,,� : • Don't park cars on dry grass...catalytic converters can start fired ti4� . • Report suspicious activity to the Arson Hotline (1-800.342-5869) or to local law i r4"4. , enforcement. 4 • Pay attention and be aware of your surroundings. Stay tuned to local 'icws advisories. , ''..11e;' Y J 1. • Make evacuation plans and a family emergency pian. Be ready to evacuate family :'g t;<. '; ▪ w w ° and pets iii an instant. I'S .' • Enter a `burned area only after permission is obtained from authorities. a a •u< ' aA oar `>a, EAT YOU CAN'JO Pjs.E E1'T ARSON .. ;h • Arson is the malicious, deliberate burning of another's house or property. Accidental ,',; ;„.•.,,a.1.,, . ;'41 i k. fires are not considered areal?. ,4, ‘ 1• • When suspicious activities are observed, get a description of the suspicious person, • i "'fir: the vehicle and the type of activity _ • Take note of the time and location of me suspicious activity, • Report the suspicious activity to the Arson Hotline (1-80U-342.5869) or local law , ''. enforcement officials. ;if's .' .:!.:41!1411...0: N t. 44:i!4?:::!* ' .V • , 06/25/98 04:20 S. SCOTT u NDERGRIF'T REALTORS P.Ub GOV 'S COMM . OFFICE TEL :904-488-4042 Jun 25 98 15 :41.#4.t ,tt►. . ► i•' .r w�L 1997 , 7Wl �.. / STATE OPFI,ORIDA • ' f X1!0, , t ,4 - I_ ,4 . .., ®ate t e Orte rt�llr V..4^,if h;� ••4. THeCAP(TOL x, R , , �. TALLAHASSEE.FLOR)DA 92399.0001 ,'.0 t.AWI+ON CHILES GOVERNOR - FOR 1MMED1ATE RELEASE: CONTACT: April Herrle or f. June 25, 1998 Edit O► llo - - io041 488.5324,,,..A,;° e; M 0 r •---+;gip.::. .:,;,...:',4 ;i v YAG., Statement Byfstrxst,„ GOVERNOR LAl�'TON CHILES °; ' - �` Regarding Ban on Fireni�orks in Florida r" `` _3/4 t:v 47`x. "During the Inst month, Florida has lost more than 158,000 acres of woodlands.T,',, p�""` - �;''` forest and brush fires. The Drought Index for Florida has been in excess of 490 since the 4.1.',"..441-1-1 a :r beginning of the month. Many areas in Florida have been nearing the 800 mark,which is c "-tha' you find in deserts. Florida has not faced such serious drought cconditions since thck i early 19317s. � "h ''.'./4. , .t...ita,:01::. _ .:,A. "These conditions make Florida a tinderbox. Today 1 am declaring a ban on the' ;;.. , , ;i.e.), .=,--I, sale and use of fireworks across the state because of the existing fires and extreme �:V,A,' potential for additional fires. The Division of Forestry has advised me,that even under t average conditions, fireworks historically cause a significant amount of fires. " 4' 1 "Florida has 2A72 men and women who have been fighting these fres for the `'1, C x' ' ' 4--Ig!, 1 pant four weeks, We've been blessed we haven't lost any firefighters' lives, and we must ..,,t)i t �, do everything we can to protect these courageous people. .��. •i `�'T' t'` j (more) 06/25/98 04:18 S. SCOTT VANDERORIFT REALTORS P.05 . s" "�r,r s; � 't FIREWORKS BAN-Page 2 : "Under these condition I conscience allow the v ee.e ,t :y" ; s, ca. not in good cons, ence allo,v the use of,ueworks.r'--1 .: ,„,... .,,,, ... .„ .. , which pose such a risk to our people. It would be terrible if what has traditionally been e , -.Y = colorful display of celebration turned into a tragedy because we did not take prudent `.`. ; w sie,! } A Berner!to prevent it ie. lei e Y fir;;-, •,t .''` r t� t. "1 bin proud of the way the people of this state have pulled together in the wake ;N.;'��',, , of these devastating fires and grateful for the help of those who have come from around , '!r.: "; "``fib the nation to help us fight them, Our firefighters have been waginga ,, a heroic battle against'. , ; :,.>e the unrelentingfire and they "` ';e,:e,.: s, arc making progress, They are putting themselves on the e; :;'; front lines of danger to save our land and our 8 homes. This is the kind :fpRtriotisr we can ` ' celebrate this Fourth of July, fi. "As a child,I was fond of shooting off fireworks to celebrate the holiday, and ala i k "' father, I enjoyed doing the same with my children. I know this will be a great t e. '' '' disappointment to soiiie families and to our fireworks vendors who depend on this ,,'' A, holiday. We are allowing community displays and are encouraging the public to 1tee.1:-, -, .. `, •�; v attend 1. them: I know the people will understand the need for our ban this year because it protects M..`� ' 2- .: .1_I[ P _e public satety• ' "I want to ask each of youhelp tA.e through this crisis by INII: . to the s r r gh doing your part _ to ensure the holiday is a safe one. You can take an active role by reporting suspicious activity to the arson hotline at I-800.342-5869. In the meantime, let's all bray for rain." > }:".'4-1- e , ### '.. c;.i '%.`/`. til _'. i.. 06/25/98 04:23 S. SCOTT UANDERGR I FT REALTORS P.OS r STATE OF FLORIDAk� �; Y� w, "° , . 1 v.1.' .1.' A'E:.4 V 1' 1 H J.L' WA/ V .GAIN V ' ,.!t.,;:4,. ,- ,t1 E,YAr+tlf'sc7A Orraer Nu•rrnber {. �r � vvv..v.. v va viva e1 • b4.4aa �.a 98465 ;-' ,r 'a yrs WHEREAS the States of Florida has experienced m series ` " 071441 fenced R Y 2 extensive forest and brush fires th_o,urti,,,,,. the St L`g-innin t on throughout the State VIT. or about May 25 . 1999, and on inui nn throughthe daae t order; and f 7 WHEREAS existing fires and the extr&me pn,•ent; a1 for such ere 4‘,. � 3r1 h7 ; continue to threaten life and prnpertv •csn�4••���� ��r a�i6 ` WHEREAS EXe ut .ve Order 98-141 declared a state oa em 'ART RT illt throughout Florida due to the recent A:':4 continuing fires ata therK t, potential for more fires; and ,,, il;• omm WHEREAS President . � �' Clinton iq�uecl m mr+�or disaster declaration ,l4 ' ' �� all Florida counties resulting from th0 fart;_,;,. fire h ard- 4 . w �•- .�. fire UAVRLY A WN WHEREAS to date over one-hundred thirty-five thousand ,,... '-‘4,.,w,, ,,,, w e `,� , woodlands and 'numerous structures and vehi rl e.. have if'T7 ....... been �.ve�pMillC4+ -•b by fire, resulting in large er._nngm3r Income rn r1,. state and it � residents ; and WHEREAS the Division of Forestry edvieem the Governor that .. ; `} t . fire districts haveall ��i . ♦� committed of their exi ar; reeo,,rcts. ._ swi ...wv Mirb�o "'VV y� fighting the fires, and that the fire conditions re;uart the. t i r districts to move resources from district-to-d4Ar,-4 , - , As Headed 44 ' and ,,.. .1 , c - ..I o;, ...ry.,� r ,r WHEREAS additional fires would bring even greater pre2ourea to' .0- ;,3 already stressed firefighting resources, which mey threaten ;he:;K ' ; public safety; and WHEREAS the Division of Forestry uses a Drought lndpx to Miwms"1,4��..a5=' `* ,, the risk of fire and has determined that a Drought True;; ;;um in excess of 900 indicates an undue risk of fire; Anrl ^y'. '.•, �i' :,, WHEREAS the Division of Forestry advises the Goverro that mitis .f ` "s' g 1 ordinary Drought Index for the State of Florida i,a " �'' '`V* v j NceY } WHEREAS since June 1, 1998, the Drought Index for fhe rt a r'r_ -' wte of Florida has exceeded 400, statewide, and the risk of fire {e t' ' '' an extreme level ; and "" at':', WHEREAS the Division of Forestry advises that even .finder ..,-.a;. .,0'.., ``1i V conditions for the month of July, cue a , - 1 number of fires; and ':' . .-tri"lt 4 06/25/98 ©4:15 S. SCOTT L ANDERGR IFT REALTORS P.02 WHEREAS the State Fire Marshal advises the Governor that exia3Cin It_. conditions have caused extreme dehydration of trees and foli " - � . r,,. due to extreme heat and lack of rain, increasing their ;e1,,: 4 combustibility and the probability that the discharge of fireworks or use of sparklers would ignite. grasses, trees, ''WQ0. _. t homes; or commercial structures; and yyy WHEREAS the State Fire Marshal further advises the GovernortA , •., the dry conditions in urban areas constitute a fire hazard , • , . .,,., that increased water use in municipalities may result in 'law, .t water pressures that could hinder firefighting efforts; and , . ; WHEREAS under the current conditions, the use of fireworks.ban. sparklers can significantly increase the threat of addstiona ' fires, which would result in injury to persons and damage to; .a„ n; . property, and could result in loss of life; and ^ WHEREAS Section 252 . 36 (5) (h) , Florida Statutes, authorizes the i=. Governor to suspend or limit the sale and dispensing ofrta " ;. explosives and combustibles; and f: __-_ a'tr WHEREAS Section 791 , 01 Florida Statutes, defines "fireworks 4,,„. , . -" "sparklers" to include either combustible or explosive mater ' l'814 ..: NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAWTON CHILES, by virtue of the authority" ...... vested in me as Governor of the State of Florida and by virtu!! o .' Article IV, Section 1 (a) , Florida Constitution, Chapter 252 'y E h Florida Statutes, Chapter 250, Florida Statutes, and all othai, 1�' t. applicable laws, do hereby promulgate the following Executive 3-*. rq. Order, effective immediately , aA� r ectivi� �y v `; '� A state of emergency exists throughout Florida as a result of tik41 ' r prolonged drought, extraordinary fire conditions, recent and' f , • ...x continuingP fires, and thepotential for more fires . All of the ,-*' provisions of Executive Order 98141, as supplemented by this ',`',�," order, remain in full force and effect . 0K04 Sec on fi ; ' -= Each Division of Forestry Fire District Office shall provide f;,� �;, ' information to the public regarding daily measurements of the , " , - .`' Drought Index, and the Division of Forestry shall indicate these t measurements on its internet webpage at http� /Lf1ae • fl ° sof cornisiaily/oQtotidUVtXt ` • "' �, -1:41 : The sale, use or discharge of fireworks, as defined in Section ks ;r � .r1 79l . 01 ) , Florida Statutes, areprohibited, except for ' '* `""' p permitted ""•.a public displays of fireworks may be authorized as provided in Atm f A section 4 of thus Executive Order . In Fire Districts where Cheer"y ;kp ; Division of Forestry Drought Index measurements exceed 400, the : sale, use or discharge of sparklers, as defined in Section1a Fl' "''' ' . 7y1 . v1 (8) , Florida Statutes, are also prohibited. 06/25/98 04:13 S. SCOTT VANDERGRIFT REALTORS P.01 --- Section 4 r0 yot. 4,,, te ` .1 r Pursuant to Section 791. 02 Florida Statutes, Y counties and ;. a municipalities in Florida remain authorized to issue pers>t , M supervised public display of £ireworka . Fair associations amusement parka, and other organizations or groups of indiy , ;� which receive, or which have already received, a permit s1'�a ;l iY !' exempt from the provisions of Section 3, above, aubect to •'v �. r , restrictions imposed by local government and the followings Mt (a) Evi y public display of fireworks shall be r P.- handled by a competent operator that is approved pP by MA '.� - i the chle; law enforcement officer and the chief. . ',.:_gWrAiiir2 officer of the fine department in the jurisdicti(w Iu which � w In M L,., display 1 held; , hic the display is to be held; ana Ih1 The chief r, ,b) 1 chief fire officer determines, after prope�� � rc4 inspection, that the public display of fireworks y►i.4., : a . ``� hazardous pzoperty or endanger anyer not w� zardous to pex.on° "-7",-'' �' 1 a x ,. r. ?UrS11$nt to Section 452 f 5V, Florida StatuCe9, a person violatln • 1",;•,, this Executive Order is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanoxkr, Y 'fi. and may be punished by imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, ,may ,; *;., fined in an amount not exceeding $500, unless a greater penalty,k441r. for a specific act is otherwise JS LVV idei by law. �k„ Sir Tho 4 4x4,',,1. 4,,r order shall 1emill11effect t J4 rperiod of 607#,:!.:‘.,..,'`. , day4 Unless otherwise rescinded. 1t44`C�" hr. , IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, + Yid +A't.f •� J 1 have •r r , ' i + � ,a3 {,r{.if hereunto set m hand and ¢L' ?I . 1 y ortu89d.t 4 � � Great Seal of the State of Florid • .,i to be f f d ,.. - • `'. :...+]..:f-,--,tr.* ii tt ;'� .�.*,X+ �+ wC Tallahassee, h 'f ^a-4--1 / s 25th day of Juno �t r -- .-�,/ /:r r�Oi :1:_. - faOV ."ins �t ✓r� �' I +11fla .Y1,1:?,, ATTEST,/., "*; l t+../! / • .,v') ... 1 i►",�! C__ ..-0/ /S r:� i ' /ASS/. a."1..../ • ''; ani ;: nRtTARY OF S ATE too 06,25/9E3 04:16 S. SCOTT VANDERGRIFT REALTORS P.03 ., , • metre at tile %oiler:tar . .,,..w , ''',7 .. . , THCAITOL E P '.'..,.II•* -.1 J: TALLAHASSER,FLORIDA 32394-000I 44!•',1',_ LAWTON C 4 HILES 1 'T c•g -% 1 ,, — • GOVERNOR 1 1'4V;i4late.'1, . ,, •;",..„ip 0.« 1 '„ t ;ilfi.7-.'•:09' '‘ ' 414 lit*, •;-,,..,' ,',' + 17 •, •t.t.•: ,"„ '4,!ik ,,, : •• 1 , 1 t,,..f'41.-I .., '''. MEMORANDUM •,',..:”.,,.,-.:;: , ,„ 4, DATE._ June 25, 1998 TO: Capital Press Corps • FROM: Edie Ousley . . •",ie . - I • RE: State of Emergency Governor Lawton Chiles today issued an executive order banning the sale and usel...,m4,—,,,.. . of fireworks in Fire Districts where the Division of Forestry Drought Index exceeds 400. Because every county in I'lorida is well above the 400 Draught -C,,,,,, ,•:•,...,;.. ",, IiideX Level, the executive order effectively puts a ban on fireworks throughout •...), the state, , 4P,.;‘;',', Attached is'a copy of the executive order, a statement from Ciovcrnor Chiles and,,t1'4 ;t•L'I‘, : tips for citizens. Should you have questions regarding this information,please k,,s‘i.:/,‘ , !,:''.-' • ,i, contact me at(850)488-5394. • ',.oti:.. , 1 < .,.4,;41.' .4's, i # # # • .p, :. • tCY:4•4'' '••••„,0fIr. -, ., • •f,.41.?1,4',Y:' 4-' -1-, ' f ",..0.,0;';'g,t' '• , '• ,-,e4''S.;."1,t; ,A f'1.41 i 4 , V:' 61 ', I 't• V./1 ,.., ,:,titoei..,•,,.,,,,2,I, •.•,.,?....,,,.,, ,,,,,,,Y ',4 • I. .t:t ,11,!.'IA. 44:'''' 4 .-7,:le.,.41.•'.''' , is . ., EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 98-165—June 25, I9Y8 hnp://www.state.fl us/eog/govdocs/cxecords/Gro3.html $tatc of Lnri?x 4417. EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 98-165 t i�fS ISE WHEREAS the State of Florida has experienced a series of extensive forest and brush fires throughout the State beginning on or txlittrt'1vE t6EFta about May 25, 1998, and continuing through the date of this order; Of fht 4010,li ,04 and WHEREAS existing fires and the extreme potential for such fires continue to threaten life and property; and WHEREAS Executive Order 98-141 declared a state of emergency throughout Florida due to the recent and continuing fires and the potential for more fires; and WHEREAS President Clinton issued a major disaster declaration for all Florida counties resulting from the extreme fire hazards; and WHEREAS to date over one-hundred thirty-five thousand acres of woodlands and numerous structures and vehicles have been consumed by fire, resulting in large economic losses to the State and its residents, and WHEREAS the Division of Forestry advises the Governor that its 15 fire districts have committed all of their existing resources to fighting the fires, and that the fire conditions require the fire districts to move resources from district-to-district, as needed; and WHEREAS additional fires would bring even greater pressures to already stressed firefighting resources, which may threaten the public safety; and WHEREAS the Division of Forestry uses a Drought Index to measure the risk of fire and has determined that a Drought Index number in excess of 400 indicates an undue risk of fire; and WHEREAS the Division of Forestry advises the Governor that the ordinary Drought Index for the State of Florida is below 300; and WHEREAS since June 1, 1998, the Drought Index for the State of Florida has exceeded 400, statewide, and the risk of fire is at an extreme level; and WHEREAS the Division of Forestry advises that even under ordinary conditions for the month of July, fireworks historically cause a significant number of fires; and S d SEI ZZ6 OS8 NOISIAIO WAS NOdJ VId6E'V 8661—S -9 600 JO ZOO "vd Ja"13 1J13 "!1"11U an 959 L86 <- xpd p!A Zb:IS;91 11661 SZ unf EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 98-165--June 25, 1998 httpl/wvvw.state.0.us/eog/govdocdexeeotds/fire3.html WHEREAS the State Fire Marshal advises the Governor that existing conditions have caused extreme dehydration of trees and foliage due to extreme heat and lack of rain, increasing their combustibility and the probability that the discharge of fireworks or use of sparklers would ignite grasses, trees, woods, homes, or commercial structures; and WHEREAS the State Fire Marshal further advises the Governor that the dry conditions in urban areas constitute a fire hazard, and that increased water use in municipalities may result in lower water pressures that could hinder firefighting efforts; and WHEREAS under the current conditions, the use of fireworks and sparklers can significantly increase the threat of additional fires, which would result in injury to persons and damage to property, and could result in loss of life; and WHEREAS Section 252.36(5)(h), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Governor to suspend or limit the sale and dispensing of explosives and combustibles; and WHEREAS Section 791.01, Florida Statutes, defines "fireworks" and "sparklers" to include either combustible or explosive materials; NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAWTON CHILES, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Florida and by virtue of Article IV, Section 1(a), Florida Constitution, Chapter 252, Florida Statutes, Chapter 250, Florida Statutes, and all other applicable laws, do hereby promulgate the following Executive Order, effective immediately: Section 1 A state of emergency exists throughout Florida as a result of the prolonged drought, extraordinary fire conditions, recent and continuing fires, and the potential for more fires. All of the provisions of Executive Order 98-141, as supplemented by this order, remain in full force and effect. Section 2 Each Division of Forestry Fire District Office shall provide information to the public regarding daily measurements of the Drought Index, and the Division of Forestry shall indicate these measurements on its Internet webpage at http://flame fl dof.com/daily/00today.txt Section 3 The sale, use or discharge of fireworks, as defined in v SEI ZZ6 OSV NOISIAIO WAS NOdd WdtV'V 9661-S -9 6H8 J8 f88 anvd Jam a.r!d ua!TuaT1y ZZZT 959 Ll ' <- xrd "!A IZ:ZS:91 8661 SZ unf Section 791.01(4), Florida Statutes, are prohibited, except for permitted public displays of fireworks may be authorized as provided in section 4 of this Executive Order. In Fire Districts where the Division of Forestry Drought Index measurements exceed 400, the sale, use or discharge of sparklers, as defined in Section 791.01(8), Florida Statutes, are also prohibited. Section 4 Pursuant to Section 791.02, Florida Statutes, counties and municipalities in Florida remain authorized to issue permits for supervised public display of fireworks. Fair associatiorIs, amusement parks, and other organizations or groups of individuals which receive, or which have already received, a permit shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 3, above, subject to restrictions imposed by local government and the following: (a) Every public display of fireworks shall be handled by a competent operator that is approved by the chief law enforcement officer and the chief officer of the fire department in the jurisdiction in which the display is to be held; and (b)The chief fire officer determines, after proper inspection, that the public display of fireworks will not be hazardous to property or endanger any person. Section 5 Pursuant to Section 252.50, Florida Statutes, a person violating this Executive Order is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor, and may be punished by imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, may be fined in an amount not exceeding $500, unless a greater penalty for a specific act is otherwise provided by law. Section 6 This executive order shall remain in effect for a period of 60 days unless otherwise rescinded. , 44"i 1 Y IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I „./X,_14•11,,,:^;.• have hereunto set my hand and 11 I , •r.: have caused the Great Seal of the �' ^+ State of Florida to be affixed at L ,, ;; 'r Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 25th .4'4- ' rotes• ''•;pit .4 , • day of June, 1998. • ., `' , Lawton Chiles *. GOVERNOR ATTEST. Sandra B. Mortham acrocr,n,...n —..... S d SEI E6 093 NOISIAIO WAS HOdJ frd©V:V 8661-S -9 Hub 3u Hall afiad jam aam uo!}uallu ZZZI 959 L8H <- xp3 pEA 55:15:91 0661 SZ unp PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the State of Florida, Orange County, and the City of Ocoee are experiencing the driest spring and summer in many years; and WHEREAS, forest fires are rampant in all areas causing the loss of forests and personal property; and WHEREAS, smoke has blanketed the state for the better part of a week; and WHEREAS, the long term weather forecast does not show much let up in the weather for at least two weeks; and WHEREAS, the 4th of July is the time to celebrate the founding of our country with fireworks; and WHEREAS, our City will be sponsoring a fireworks show on July 4th at 9 p.m. to celebrate this occasion; NOW, THEREFORE, I, S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor of the City of Ocoee, do hereby call upon our citizens and merchants to voluntarily refrain from buying and using fireworks, sparklers and anything that can cause a spark and possible fire until at least July 6, 1998. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto have set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Ocoee, Florida to be affixed this 23rd day of June, 1998. S. Scott Vandergri t, Mlayor