Authorities confirm heightened law enforcement in West Palm Beach City during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
The West Palm Beach Police Department has announced its plans to bolster its force across the city during the celebrations of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Officials are keen to emphasize to the public that engaging in celebratory gunfire is not only hazardous but also a breach of the law. According to Florida Statute 790.15 link, discharging a firearm in public or on residential property is illegal.
"Our department has adopted the ShotSpotter detection technology, which serves as a gunshot alert system," Mike Jachles, the Public Information Officer for the West Palm Beach Police Department, reported to WPBF 25 News. "Consequently, should someone discharge a firearm, we will be informed. Interestingly, we can distinguish between sounds of fireworks and actual gunfire."
The police department highlighted a regrettable incident that occurred on the Fourth of July, where a woman was injured, presumably due to celebratory gunfire.
In a local coverage by WPBF 25 News, it was reported, "A woman from West Palm Beach, while sitting in her car along with her 13-year-old daughter on 37th Street and observing the fireworks display, was hit by what is believed to be celebratory gunfire. Despite her serious injuries, she managed to recover," shared Jachles.
Furthermore, if anyone is discovered engaging in unlawful gunfire, authorities affirm they will be subjected to accountability.
"The legal status of the firearm and the individual's criminal background play a crucial role in the proceeding. Just a few months ago, our investigators seized about 150 firearms from convicted felons," Jachles added.
As fireworks remain a popular tradition in New Year's Eve celebrations, the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue shared a video on Facebook concerning the safe usage of sparklers.
Elyse Weintraub Brown, a Fire Safety Specialist for the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, commented, "Despite their innocuous appearance leading to widespread use, particularly among children, sparklers are a significant cause of injuries. Fireworks are generally unsuitable for young children. It's advisable to light one sparkler at a time, hold it away from the body, and keep it distant from others and any flammable items."
She added, "Firework-related accidents can escalate rapidly, outpacing the response time of even the most efficient 911 system. Sparklers are particularly loved by children, but it's important to note that these can reach temperatures as high as 1200 degrees."
Jachles also shared some guidance for those planning to participate in the city's New Year's Eve festivities.
"Refrain from drinking and driving. Weigh the costs: a $50 ride-share fare or a $10,000 DUI charge, not to mention the potential threat to your life and others'," Jachles advised.
Moreover, AAA is providing a complimentary "Tow to Go" program until 6 a.m. on Monday, January 2. This service, available to both AAA members and non-members, offers to transport you and your vehicle to a secure location within a 10-mile radius.