© 2025 WGCU News
PBS and NPR for Southwest Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fireworks impact on Southwest Florida

President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs could have a big impact on fireworks celebrations. President and CEO of Phantom Fireworks Bruce Zoldon is concerned that the cost of fireworks could go up and impact celebrations for America’s 250th Anniversary next year. However, the impact is also felt in the local ecosystem where loud noises and have an impact on wildlife and the pollution from fireworks could impact the environment. Becca Wehmeier, the hospital practice manager at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), talks about some of the issues it sees following a fireworks show and how people can plan for an environmentally friendly holiday weekend.

Firework Impact on Southwest Florida | WGCU News

Trusted by over 30,000 local subscribers

Local News, Right Sized for Your Morning

Quick briefs when you are busy, deeper explainers when it matters, delivered early morning and curated by WGCU editors.

  • Environment
  • Local politics
  • Health
  • And more

Free and local. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

More from WGCU
  • Demetrius O’Neal was found guilty Monday and sentenced to two life sentences plus 15 years on two counts of second-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder for his role in the Club Blu mass shooting in Fort Myers on July 25, 2016.
  • Motorists should be aware of overnight lane closures on westbound Daniels Parkway from Palomino Lane to Weirsma Lane on two consecutive nights this week.
  • New World Warblers are often referred to as the “butterflies of the bird world” – a designation because of their small size and diverse colors and patterns. A few warblers nest in south Florida, but several -- including the Palm Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Black-and-white Warbler are common winter residents.These three have distinctive plumage patterns and behaviors, making them a great trio to begin exploring the diversity of warblers that pass through on migration. Beware, however: watching warblers as they flit among the branches of tall trees in search of insects can be addictive – and lead to a temporary affliction commonly known among birders as “warbler neck”.