Date set for Lake Ronkonkoma fireworks show despite community concerns
The show is set for May 30.
A date has now been set for a fireworks show at Lake Ronkonkoma.
“It's a great way to bring families together at Lake Ronkonkoma and really celebrate what our country is all about,” said Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin.
As News 12 reported, community members say there are two bald eagle nests around the lake.
They're worried the fireworks show could scare the birds away or hurt them.
“Eagles are prone to something called stress myopathy,” said John De Leonardo, with Humane Long Island. “It's a fatal breakdown in muscle tissue that happens when they are exposed to stressful events like fireworks.”
The DEC said in a statement to News 12 that they consulted with the event planners to review potential impacts on bald eagle nests. They recommended the fireworks be launched at least a half mile away, and the planners agreed.
“Now that we've moved the barge away from the bird's nest,” said Bergin. “Hopefully everybody's happy.”
The show was originally planned for the Saturday before Memorial Day. It's now set for May 30.
The event would be free — though visitors are encouraged to make a donation to the Lieutenant Michael Murphy Foundation — honoring a Long Island Navy Seal who was killed in Afghanistan.
Veterans from the nearby American Legion said Memorial Day is not the right time for a fireworks show. Others say the lake is just the wrong spot for it.
“The way I looked at it, for 15 minutes worth of joy, we can find somewhere else to do it,” said Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy.
