Good news, and bad news..
The bad news – Pasco County Fire Rescue recklessly permitted the Hello Friend Fest to hold their 2-night “massive sky lantern release” at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, Florida – during a severe drought, with a burn ban & water restrictions in place 
While firefighters across Florida are battling wildfires, Pasco County Fire Rescue committed their time attending the fire hazard release.
The good news – The second night of the festival, the fire marshal did not allow the massive sky lantern release.
More bad news – The organizers simply postponed it for a later date.
Even more bad news – These are recurring events that are repeatedly permitted by the Pasco County Fire Rescue
It is difficult to understand, Pasco County states they follow the National Fire Protection Association guidelines, yet the guidelines clearly state, “Sky lanterns should not be used under any circumstances.”
Permitting massive sky lantern releases in a state where their release is unlawful is quite alarming.. especially while Florida is battling 134 wildfires across 18,640 acres, fueled by severe drought.
These events put others at risk & promotes their use.
Join us in urging Pasco County & state officials to stop irresponsibly permitting these dangerous events.
Hello Friend Fest
727-480-3139
contact@hellofriendfest.com
National Fire Protection Association
800-344-3555
Regional office
jdawson@nfpa.org
Pasco County Fire Rescue
Community Risk Reduction
813-929-2737
aeddings@mypasco.net
FL State Fire Marshal
850-413-3171
Fire.Prevention@MyFloridaCFO.com
Florida Forest Service
850-681-5800
Mayor of Dade City
352-567-2260
sblack@dadecityfl.com
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce
352-567-3769
ceo@eastpascochamber.org
