Celebrations are underway across the First Coast as communities come together to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. In Downtown Jacksonville, the two-day Freedom Fest event will feature live music, a patriotic light and music show, and a hot dog eating contest.
Fireworks Displays
Fireworks will be launched from barges in the St. Johns River Downtown, as well as from the Acosta and Main Street bridges. Other fireworks displays will take place in Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Palatka.
In St. Augustine, the Fireworks over the Matanzas celebration will begin at 6 p.m. with a live concert, followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. over the bay. The event is free, and parking is available in city-owned lots and on-street spaces.
The Light Up Amelia celebration in Fernandina Beach will start at 6 p.m. with live music and more, followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. over the Amelia River.
The American Pride 4th of July at Moosehaven will begin at 5 p.m. with live music and food trucks, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. over the St. Johns River.
Palatka’s Annual 4th of July Celebration will run from 4 to 9:30 p.m. with live music, food trucks, a kids zone, and a boat parade at 8:40 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over the St. Johns River.
St. Marys’ 57th annual Independence Day Festival will feature a 5K and 10K run, daylong arts and crafts, live music, a parade, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Safety Reminders
With the recent heavy rains reducing drought issues, local burn bans have been lifted. However, state officials urge people to use caution when using fireworks, recommending that they be lit in areas free of vegetation or dry debris and that water be handy to extinguish them if needed.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
