As New Year’s Eve approaches, the DeLand Police Department is warning residents against ringing in the New Year with indiscriminate gunfire. “Every year, a number of people in the city of DeLand engage in the extremely dangerous practice of discharging firearms into the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. “Celebrating the New Year with gunfire is both dangerous and illegal and won't be tolerated in the city of DeLand. Any person who violates Florida State Law 790.15 will have their firearm confiscated and will be arrested , and is punishable up to one year in jail and fine. People who celebrate New Year’s Eve with gunfire often do not realize the dangers posed by their actions. Researchers report that a bullet fired into the air can climb two miles into the air and remain in flight for more than a minute. As it falls, the bullet reaches a velocity of 300 to 700 feet per second. A velocity of only 200 feet per second is sufficient to penetrate the human skull. If a stray bullet from your gun should kill someone, you will be arrested and charged with murder. “We ask for you to celebrate the holidays safely and please don’t fire your gun into the air this New Year’s. On behalf of the DeLand Police Department we wish you and your family a safe and happy New Year!