The Corpus Christi Police Department wishes our residents and visitors a safe Independence Day. We want to remind you to please be safe and responsible as you celebrate.

For those who will be including alcohol in their celebration, we ask that you plan to ensure that you have a safe and sober ride home. There are many options to get home safely, call a cab, ride share or have a designated driver. There will be dedicated officers out for the sole purpose of driving while intoxicated enforcement.

It is unlawful to discharge fireworks inside the city limits. A citation for discharging fireworks inside the Corpus Christi city limits is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 dollars. It is also unlawful to possess opened packages of fireworks and the punishment is a fine of up to $2,000 dollars per package.

Officers will also be on the lookout for celebratory gunfire. Discharging a firearm inside the city limits is punishable up to a year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. The penalty increases if a person is injured by the gunfire.

Anyone who would like to report fireworks violations should call the Corpus Christi Police by calling 886-COPS (2677). Please do not call 911 for the sole purpose of fireworks complaints.