TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – July 4th celebrations will look different this year due to COVID-19, but different counties are getting creative with their celebrations.
Honoring Independence Day by the beach is still possible in some areas. Pinellas County beaches and Sarasota beach will remain open during the holiday. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says there will be an increased law enforcement presence, mainly focusing on restaurants and hotels.
“It’s the indoor spaces that are the problem,” Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. “It’s not the 100 degrees with mom and dad and 2 kids playing in the sand that’s the issue. This isn’t spring break, this is a different environment and we’ll keep an eye on it.”
However, Longboat Key beach is closed to the public. Officials say the closure comes as an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As far as firework shows; the annual Tampa Boom by the Bay and St. Petersburg annual downtown celebration are canceled. Hernando County also canceled its fireworks show and a demolition derby that was set to take place on Saturday. The derby was postponed to Sept. 12.
Some firework shows will still carry on, but the experience will be a little different.
In the town of Dundee, Sarasota and in Northport; firework shows will take place, but guests will have to watch from their cars. In Highlands County, there will be fireworks at the City Pier Beach in Sebring.
Friday, July 3
Sarasota: Fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, start at 9 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
SeaWorld Orlando: The park is hosting three nights of fireworks, with socially distant viewing, on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. The festivities begin at 9 p.m. Tickets and reservations and required.
Saturday, July 4
North Port: Fireworks at Butler Park, 6205 W Price Boulevard, begins at 9 p.m.
Dundee: Drive-through fireworks show at Lake Marie begins at 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
Highlands County: Fireworks at City Pier Beach, 351 W Center Ave, Sebring, begins at 9 p.m.
SeaWorld Orlando: The park is hosting three nights of fireworks, with socially distant viewing, on Friday, July 3rd, Saturday, July 4th, and Sunday, July 5th. The festivities begin at 9 p.m. Tickets and reservations and required.
LEGOLAND Florida: The “Red, White and BOOM” fireworks show is set to take place at at Legoland, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. Make sure to grab a pair of specialty viewing 3D glasses that will transform fireworks into bursting LEGO bricks before your eyes. The glasses will be available to pick up at designated areas on July 4th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, click here.
WATCH FROM HOME
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks: The grand finale show will air on News Channel 8 on Saturday. Tune in to NBC Saturday, July 4, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. For more information, click here.
“A Capitol Fourth” fireworks show: Vanessa Williams and John Stamos co-host the pre-taped annual Independence Day concert that ends with a fireworks show in Washington, D.C. Tune in to PBS at 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
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