Florida won't ban fireworks statewide on Independence Day, even as drought conditions persist.

Why it matters: This is Florida's busiest fire season in recent memory, with more than 2,400 wildfires recorded across the state over the last six months.

Driving the news: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson told the News Service of Florida that recent rains have improved drought conditions, but "the risk of wildfire still exists in Florida and needs to be taken seriously."

• He urged residents to follow local burn regulations. Eight of Florida's 67 counties are under a burn ban, according to the state Forest service.
• Sarasota and Manatee are the only Tampa Bay counties currently under burn bans, which include personal fireworks. However, professional and public firework displays are still in the clear.

Between the lines: Florida is one of the few states with "firework holidays."

• Anyone over 18 has the legal right to set off fireworks in Florida on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and Independence Day.
• But the "fireworks holidays," enacted in 2020, do not override HOA rules or any local government ordinances that predated it.

Pinellas County is among the governments that were grandfathered in — don't light the fuse within its limits without a permit.

• Other governments have found workarounds: In 2024, Treasure Island relied on past ordinances banning open flames and litter to prohibit personal fireworks on Independence Day.

Spread the word

This will be the busiest July 4 week for travel since at least 2019, AAA predicts.

Why it matters: The right departure time could save you hours stuck in traffic.

The big picture: The worst July 4 holiday traffic is expected to hit starting Thursday, according to INRIX, a transportation data firm that works with AAA to calculate travel times.

Yes, but: In Tampa Bay, expect Interstate 4 traffic to start backing up early.

• In fact, 2:15pm Wednesday is slated to be the peak congestion time for I-4 eastbound from Tampa to Orlando. The 90-minute drive is expected to balloon to 2 hours and 43 minutes.

By the numbers: More than 4.6 million Floridians are expected to travel more than 50 miles for the holiday, with most going by car, despite this year's higher gas prices.

• Florida's average cost per gallon was $3.83 yesterday, per AAA.
• The average in Pinellas and Hillsborough was slightly higher at $3.87 a gallon.

State of play: To avoid the heaviest traffic, leave early in the day or consider driving on Monday or Tuesday, per INRIX.

Zoom out: More national travel trends

🛟 Clearwater Beach lifeguards have rescued 35 people from the water over the last three weeks, including 12 on Monday alone. The abnormal number of rescues were due to dangerous rip currents. (Tampa Bay Times)

🍹 It'll soon be legal to walk around with beer, wine and cocktails in downtown Largo. The new "Sip and Stroll" program is aiming to energize the city's long-struggling downtown. (Fox 13)

Alligator Alcatraz, the immigration detention center in the Everglades, finally shut down Thursday, months after officials began discussing its closure. (CBS News)

• Miami-Dade County's mayor wants to sell the site to the National Parks Service. While the state seized the land, the county owns it. (X post)

Our friends at Axios Miami have gotten a front-row seat to South Florida's Tartan Army invasion for the World Cup — and we're jealous!

Why it matters: The Scots looked like locals scarfing down Cuban sandwiches and Pub Subs, sipping on cafecito and boogying "all night long" from Ball and Chain to E11even nightclub.

• They supported the Miami Marlins and the Heat, gave local bars and restaurants much-needed business and created cross-cultural memories that will live on in our hearts (and on the internet).

What they're saying: "This is gonna forever be my vacation spot now. I've totally fallen in love with this city," Scottish comedian Chris Laoch said in an Instagram video. "The people are amazing, it's just such a melting pot of cultures and it blew me away."

• Despite saying he contracted a heat rash from wearing his kilt in Miami's humidity, Laoch said he loved the cafecito ("f--king jittered"), empanadas ("they've got all kinds of stuff [inside]") and guava pastelitos ("AMAZING").

What's next: Rumors are flying that Scotland fans might pay a visit to Dunedin.

• "Our restaurants are ready, our craft breweries have cold pints waiting, our pipes are tuned, and our community will welcome you with open arms!" the city posted on Facebook.
• If you see them around, hit reply and let us know!

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