New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of the three days when you can legally use fireworks in Florida, following a law signed by Gov. Ron Desantis in 2020.

On New Year’s Eve, fireworks sales were booming at one Orange Park business. 

Setting off fireworks when the clock strikes 12 a.m. on New Year’s Eve is a tradition for Joia Suggs and her family.

“We have quite a few goodies for the kids,” said Suggs.

Suggs packed the aisles in Superior Fireworks in Orange Park with dozens of other customers filling up their carts for the big night.

“This place is always the go-to for sure,” said Brian Wheat, a customer.

“It’s super busy on the day of New Year’s Eve every year so we always have to prepare,” said Josh Pappas, Communication Manager for Superior Fireworks, “we bring in a lot of extra help and we’ve got a great team who’s been working hard all year.”

Orange park native, Josh Pappas founded the business 20 years ago with his brother due to their love for fireworks.

“It’s fun working in a firework store because customers are always really excited to be here,” said Pappas. “This isn’t something they have to do, this is something they want to do. they’re excited to shoot fireworks with their friends and family at night so it’s fun being able to help people on days like this.”

For Joia Suggs, tonight’s bang has a special meaning to it.

“The new year I’m praying my 4-year-old beats cancer,” she said, “we’re going out with a bang. We have a lot to celebrate, I had a baby. We have a lot to be grateful for, so new beginnings, a fresh start, blessings, and healing 2025. We’re gonna celebrate tonight and look forward to a prosperous 2025.”