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Highlands Today

July 4th brings fireworks stands back

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

From left: Diana Harless and her sister-in-law Thalynn Harless are selling a large variety of fireworks for the Fourth of July at the TNT Fireworks tent in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart in Sebring.

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: June 30, 2009

Updated:

SEBRING - Fourth of July is just around the corner, and fireworks stands have popped up once again.

TNT Fireworks, which has at least three stands in Highlands County, probably has the biggest selection of fountains and non-explosive stuff.

Two TNT stands are located in the parking lots of Avon Park and Sebring Wal-Mart stores, and the third one is in Sebring across U.S. 27 from the north McDonald's.

Diane Harless of New Port Richey and her sister-in-law Thalynn Harless, from West Virginia, were operating the TNT at the Sebring Wal-Mart.

Diane Harless said she's sold TNT products in the past, but this is her first time in Sebring.

They've been battling the wind and rain for about five days since they opened.

"With all the rain, we've had to drop the sides (of the tent) three times a day," said Diane Harless. "We're up and down the ladder 20 times a day. Then the water pours on us, and we're all wet."

By the time July 4 passes, they would have worked 11 straight days.

"You're worn out when you're done," she said.

If you're looking for things that make noise or shoot up into the air, Billy Driggers and his son Justin Driggers, with Big Bang Fireworks, run two tents - one in Sebring, at Grand Prix Drive, and the second in Lake Placid, across from Tomoka Heights.

"We're pretty much on the same pace as last year," said Billy Driggers. "People find a way to get fireworks. And we take credit cards."

They've been a little slow during the day.

"It usually picks up in the evening," he said. "People getting off of work and what-have-you."

The big sellers are the mortars, repeaters and missiles, he said.

Debi's Fireworks is located at McClure's fruit stand, just south of Lykes Brothers and north of Lake Placid.

Debi Ragsdale has been selling fireworks for 30 years and working her own business for 17.

"I have the largest assortment in Highlands County," she declared.

What's new is Eat My Dust, made by Black Cat fireworks. Along with the things that go boom, she's got the mortars and fountains.

Her biggest seller is Cosmic Tsunami for $60: a 33-shot grand finale.

"We've sold five cases already," she said.

Ragsdale said she's glad it's been raining, so there is no burn ban in effect.

"When the rain came early I knew, 'Go ahead and order, Debbie,'" she said.

Highlands Today reporter Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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