TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Right now, the building sits empty. “Permanently closed,” the sign reads, sealing shut normally sliding doors from opening at the former Walgreens on the corner of John Knox and N Monroe.
Phantom Fireworks would like to take its place, a city commissioner says, opening up the possibility of year-round firework sales in Florida’s capital city. Records show “Phantom Fireworks Eastern Region” hired the Arrow Group in January to lobby the City of Tallahassee on their behalf.
City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow said so far, city staff have denied the necessary permits to open the store, arguing the space is not zoned for a fireworks store, and/or that Phantom Fireworks cannot transfer its retail fireworks license into town.
As a public policy matter, Matlow said year round fireworks sales would be bad for residents, especially those suffering from PTSD and those with skittish pets.
“A lot of people see a store that’s really only supposed to be used three days out of the year as a step in the wrong direction. It’s replacing a Walgreens that was a food source, a pharmacy for this neighborhood,” Matlow said. “Fireworks don’t belong in the central core of a city.”
According to the Florida Sheriffs Association, fireworks are only allowed in Florida on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and the Fourth of July. Matlow said that allows vulnerable groups to know when they might hear loud bangs and pops.
However, he said fireworks stores will also use a loophole meant for agriculture and aquaculture to allow for year round sales. By signing a form, Matlow said members of the public can self certify they are using the fireworks for permissible uses other than fun.
“So, what you see these companies do, is they have their customers sign saying that’s what they’re going to use them for, but then they don’t track them to see if that’s actually the case,” Matlow said. “So, this puts a huge burden on local law enforcement.”
The Leon County Humane Society is also raising concerns. They said pet owners have a tough enough time on holidays when they know fireworks are coming, let alone when they’re unexpected.
“I mean, I think every vet clinic in town would probably tell you that, prior to those holidays, they have pet owners calling in, asking for medications to help with expected anxiety and fear that they already see in their pets,” Lisa Glunt from the Leon County Humane Society said. “But, if this was nonstop and year round, I would expect that we would see those things on a greater scale.”
According to an Orlando area law firm, illegally selling fireworks is a misdemeanor, though Matlow said it’s difficult for local law enforcement to catch someone in the act.
Mary Ann Lindley, a former Leon County commissioner, said she noticed a rise in professional lobbying near the end of her last term in 2020. Gradually, she said men and women in suits have started to appear on the local level, requesting meetings and making commercialized sales pitches.
She said that leaves elected officials to balance the polished and well funded information against neighborhood concerns. She believes the city’s lobbyist registration portal is good for transparency, and shines a light on which groups are maneuvering behind the scenes at City Hall.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.