Friends,

Just take a step outside and you will know we are right in the heart of summer in Arkansas's capital city. Last week, we activated our seasonal cooling centers, and this week brings Fourth of July festivities with family and friends across Little Rock.

This summer, your City is going "Back to the Basics," as we prioritize the activities and opportunities available for residents during the summer months. At the same time, we are emphasizing how our team members work together to ensure the safety of our residents and guests.

This summerlong focus highlights our Parks and Recreation Department's programming like youth camps and Midnight Basketball, as well as Career Climb, our workforce development initiative through the Department of Community Programs.

And, as we approach Independence Day on Friday, our Police Department, Fire Department, and 911 Center are ready to help you celebrate safely.

As a reminder, the use of personal fireworks is illegal in the City of Little Rock. Fireworks are dangerous, and they can lead to injuries or even death. Fireworks can also be a nuisance to your neighbors, and they can cause stress, fear, and anxiety in other people and pets. It is important that residents follow the law and refrain from using fireworks.

Unfortunately, our 911 center receives dozens of fireworks complaints every year. We ask that all complaints about illegal fireworks activity be submitted to LRPDFireworksViolations@LittleRock.gov. This temporary email address will be monitored starting Wednesday, July 2, through the end of the holiday weekend. 

All emails are reviewed by our Emergency Communications personnel and assigned to a police officer. If police observe illegal fireworks activity, fireworks will be confiscated and violators will receive citations.

We ask residents reporting violations to be patient, and to keep in mind that officers will handle fireworks complaints in addition to their normal responsibilities, which typically increase over the holiday weekend.

Please use the email address to report fireworks violations. In the event of gunfire, injuries or property damage, please immediately call 911.

Residents and guests seeking a safe, family-friendly way to participate in Independence Day celebrations are welcome at the free Pops on the River celebration on Friday. This annual event is in its 41st year. It features music, food trucks and vendors, and a fireworks display starting at 9:15 p.m. Pops on the River is at the First Security Amphitheater in the River Market.

Have a safe, happy Fourth of July!

For the second straight year, the City of Little Rock is participating in a worldwide movement to reduce the impact of plastics pollution. Our Sustainability Office asks residents to pledge to reduce or eliminate the plastics they use during the month of July as part of a global initiative known as Plastic Free July.

The simple goal of Plastic Free July is to spend the month without using single-use plastics. While some plastic products are essential to our everyday lives, they can have significant impacts on our environment and our health. Tiny plastic particles that can pose health risks are showing up more and more frequently in air, water and soil, and even in our bodies. We can reduce the amount of harmful plastic pollution by reducing how much plastic we use.

The Sustainability Office is joining community partners the Green Corner Store and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts to raise awareness during the month. Residents can follow the three organizations' social media pages to win prizes, and learn more about how to protect the environment during a family-friendly event at AMFA on Saturday, July 19.

Through your participation, we can work together toward eliminating harmful plastics pollution in our homes, workplaces and community.

• The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock's Facebook and YouTube pages.
• City of Little Rock offices will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Scheduled sanitation and recycling pickups for Friday will be pushed back one day because of the holiday.