Round Rock Reminds: Fireworks Illegal In City Limits (Video)

ROUND ROCK, TX — By virtue of recent legislative action, objects — more specifically fireworks sales stands — will be closer than they've appeared in the past. But that proximity doesn't mean you can pop them within city limits come the 4th of July, Round Rock officials remind residents.

Officials in the past have noted a change in state law, made during last year's legislative session, allows the sale of fireworks just outside of the city limits. Before passage of that bit of legislation, fireworks stands had to be located at least 5,000 feet (just under one mile) outside of city limits, officials said.

What we have here are referred to in the legal nomenclature as “donut holes,” parcels of land almost or completely surrounded by a city’s limits — but that haven't been annexed by the city — where fireworks sales are sold. These locations are legal, officials conceded, but the change has caused some confusion among residents, "...some of whom have contacted the city asking if it is now legal to discharge fireworks in the city," city officials wrote in their advisory The answer is: Absolutely Not."

"Use or possession of fireworks is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or six months in jail," city officials have reminded. "Fireworks include devices which make a visible or audible effect when set off and Round Rock’s ordinance specifically outlaws possession and use of sparklers, skyrockets and firecrackers.

That's right. Not even sparklers (insert frowney emoticon here).

Officials each year helpfully provide a map of Fireworks Free Zones in Williamson County illustrating the areas located within 5,000 feet of the city limits. But: "You might be surprised at how few areas there are in the southern portion of the County where fireworks can be discharged legally," officials added.

"The video below, produced by the Round Rock Fire Department in conjunction with neighboring fire departments, tells the story," officials added. "You can’t shoot ’em off here or anywhere else in the region inside a city’s limits."

The video is entertaining to watch, but has a serious message at its core. It was issued last year to illustrate the point related to fireworks use, and it's worth another view:

You might be better off watching a fireworks display organized by professional handlers. Patch has got you covered, having compiled guides to various displays in and around Williamson County:

• Round Rock 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide Scheduled Time
• Leander 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide Scheduled Time
• Cedar Park 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide Scheduled Time
• Austin-Area 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide Scheduled Time
• Pflugerville 4th Of July Fireworks: 2019 Guide, Scheduled Time