Tyler, Longview Hold July 4 Celebrations, Issue Safety Advisories

EAST TEXAS – Tyler renews an annual tradition with its big 4th of July fireworks show. Tyler police alert drivers of route changes for the celebration at Lindsey Park. All traffic attending the Fireworks show at Lindsey Park is required to enter at the main entrance off of Spur 364.The Greenbriar Road park entrance will be for exit only. Beginning at 9:00 tonight, Spur 364 at Loop 323 will be closed to all westbound traffic. Officers are requesting any resident who lives off Spur 364, who needs to get home during this time, to present their driver’s license showing proof of their residency to the officers stationed at this location. Officers will allow residents only to proceed westbound on Spur 364. After the fireworks show all eastbound traffic on Spur 364 will be forced to turn right onto Loop 323 heading towards Highway 155.

Tyler police remind you that all unauthorized fireworks are prohibited in the city unless you have obtained a special permit from the city. If you are caught in the park discharging fireworks you will be asked to leave and are subject to a citation. All alcohol, smoking and fireworks are also not allowed in city parks. This includes Lake Tyler Parks and Lindsey Park.

Also, the police would like to would like to remind the citizens that the discharge of firearms into the air in celebration is a violation of the law. Shooting into the air is seen by some as a harmless expression of their parent culture or of good cheer. The reckless use of any firearm is hazardous, and the act is not as harmless as some believe. Celebratory Gunfire has caused injury, death and property damage worldwide. Any falling object is accelerated by gravity and has the potential to cause serious injury or death.

The City of Longview kicked off its big July 4 celebration at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex at 11:00 this morning. As in Tyler, the city is urging residents to be safe during the holiday weekend. The Longview Fire and Police Departments want to remind citizens it is against City ordinance to use or have fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, skyrockets or sparklers. Anyone caught with fireworks inside the City limits will be issued a citation with fines over $300.00. Anyone using fireworks that result in a fire will be subject to criminal charges, as well. Emergency dispatchers receive numerous phone calls on July 4th because of people discharging firearms in the air. Discharging a firearm within the City limits is against the law, and if caught, the person will be arrested.

Citizens also need to use extra caution on the roads as many celebrate the holiday. Motorists should always wear seatbelts. If you are planning to drink, have a designated driver. Longview Officers will be out in force over the weekend looking for people that are driving while intoxicated.