Convenience Big Store: Missouri City may change noise ordinance to rely on police officer perception instead of decibels

Firework safety in Fort Bend County.

How is it Fourth of July already?

While fireworks are a highlight of Fourth of July festivities, their use is regulated to ensure safety.

If you're thinking of setting off your own fireworks, remember the laws regarding fireworks in Texas are specific and vary by county and city.

Fireworks can only be sold to the public during specific periods: June 24 to July 4 for Independence Day (and December 20 to January 1 for New Year's.)

You need to be 16 years old to legally buy fireworks.

Fireworks 1.4G are permissible consumer fireworks in Texas. These includes smaller devices, such as wedding sparklers, snappers, roman candles, and parachutes.

The heat advisory doesn't look like it's going anywhere—the temperature's going to be around 94°F on July 4.

Do you have a story idea? Write and let us know.

Juhi Varma, Fort Bend reporter

juhi.varma@houstonchronicle.com

Need to Know

Exciting improvements are on the horizon for Missouri City's popular Sta-Mo Sports Park, including a new splash pad and a cricket field.

Photo by: City Of Missouri City

Missouri City may end decibel test when enforcing noise ordinance

Missouri City officials say decibel testing during noise calls causes problems, so a new ordinance would rely on police perception of what is 'reasonable.'

Growing Fort Bend

A new general obligation bond (GO bond) could appear on the November election ballots for Sugar Land residents.

Photo by: Juhi Varma

Sugar Land voters may see $350 million bond on November ballot

A new bond proposal of up to $350 million would cover street and drainage improvements, plus police and court building renovations.

Openings and Closings

Fulshear and neighboring communities now have easier access to blood donation services with the opening of the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center's new donor center. The Fulshear Donor Center is located at 11605 S. Fry Road, Ste. 105, Fulshear. It is open from Friday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Shout Out

Do you have pet supplies you no longer need? Someone else might find them useful!

Fort Bend County Libraries' Missouri City Branch Library is hosting a Community Pet-Supply Swap next month. From July 1-23, you're invited to donate gently used or new pet supplies. The swap event will be held on July 24.

Drop off your donations in the meeting room of the library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway.

Suggested items include unopened pet food, cleaned water and food bowls, leashes or collars in good condition, unopened litter, new toys, puppy pads, or small animal carriers. Any items not claimed during the swap will be donated to the Missouri City Animal Shelter.

For more information contact Michele Pettigrew 281 633 4734 or Sandy Johnson 281 633 4740

One last thing ...

Roberto Villalpando, our meteorologist, has a vivid description for Houston's weather—expect it to be as hot as a backyard grill and as humid as a sauna, he writes.

The good news is that the latest tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico careened into the eastern coast of Mexico on Sunday. The bad news is that the elevated humidity may make even 95-degree afternoon highs feel at least 10 degrees hotter.

We'll keep you updated with the latest weather reports.