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Pinellas makes plans to celebrate July 4th
By SUZETTE PORTER
Article published on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 |
PINELLAS COUNTY – July 4th, 2008 marks the 232nd year Americans have celebrated their Independence.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence and an estimated 2.5 million people celebrated by lighting bonfires, shooting guns and cannons and imbibing in spirits of all kinds – or so says historical accounts of the momentous occasion.
July 4, 2008 will be marked by 304 million people, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, who will participate in parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues – a slightly less boisterous celebration than the 1776 one.
Municipalities all around Pinellas are planning a variety of events to celebrate this nation’s independence.
Gulfport celebration
The city of Gulfport is hosting an all-day affair, starting with a kid’s fishing derby from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the recreation center seawall. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Next up is a sandcastle contest from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by the Gulfport Optimist Club, on Gulfport Beach. Registration is at 9:30 a.m.
More free kid friendly activities provided by the city’s Leisure Services staff continue from noon to 6 p.m., including a children’s patriotic parade from noon to 2 p.m. inside the Casino Ballroom. The parade is open to children ages 0 to 12 years. Registration forms are located in the Gulfport Gabber and are due by June 30. Call Sharon at 727-259-6101 for more information.
A Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show is scheduled along Beach Blvd. S. from 30th Ave. S. to Shore Blvd. S. Fifty entry spots are available. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m. For more information, call 727-547-8082.
Bobby and the Rockets will entertain starting at 4 p.m. on the Casino outdoor events stage. Vendors will be selling food, art, crafts and patriotic knick-knacks from 4 to 10 p.m.
The Community 4th of July Parade will begin promptly at 6 p.m. The parade is scheduled to travel from Clymer Park (south) down Beach Boulevard to the Gulfport Casino, where it will then head west on Shore Boulevard to 58th Street S. For more information, call Sharon at 727-259-6101.
The festivities will close with a fireworks display, sponsored by Stetson College of Law and Boca Ciega Yacht Club, at 9 p.m.
The Gulfport Trolley will be available from 2 to 11 p.m. for free transport from the following parking areas: Library (5501 28th Ave. S.), Senior Center and Theater (5501 27th Ave. S.), Hoyt Field (2306 56th Street South), Chase Park (54th St. S. and 28th Ave. S.), Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park (58th St. S. and 28th Ave. S.).
For more information, call the Leisure Services Department at 727-893-1067.
Clearwater Celebrates America
The city of Clearwater celebrates for two days. The 18th annual Clearwater Celebrates America is set for July 3 and 4 in Coachman Park, 301 Drew St. The 2008 event features two nights of concerts as well as a fireworks show on July 4.
Thursday, July 3, is highlighted by jazz music featuring BK Jackson, Paul Brown and Eric Darius. Friday, July 4 will feature the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John and Mary K. Wilson at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Food from a variety of local restaurants and concessionaires will be available both days. A craft show, exhibitor and sponsor booths will be available for browsing and there will be activities for children.
Gates open Thursday, July 3 at 4 p.m. and Friday, July 4 at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Reserved seating tickets for July 3 are available for $20 through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 727-562-4700 or visit www.myclearwater.com.
Belleair Bluffs Independence Day picnic
BELLEAIR BLUFFS – An Independence Day picnic is scheduled on Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Community Center building and park at the City Hall, 2747 Sunset Blvd.
Co-sponsored by the Bluffs Business Association, the event will feature a dessert contest. Participants are encouraged to bring their best baked goods. Other highlights will include indoor and outdoor entertainment, hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by the Belleair Bluffs firefighters, inflatable bounce house and slide, music and karaoke, a dunk tank and a Pinellas County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit presentation. Call Debra Sullivan at 584-2151.
Kenneth City parade
KENNETH CITY – The town of Kenneth City and the Lealman Fire District will cosponsor the annual July 4 parade. Participants will step off at 9 a.m. from 54th Avenue and 62nd Street and continue on to the Community Hall at 4600 58th St. The event will include bounce houses, games and refreshments.
Largo celebration
LARGO – The city of Largo’s Fourth of July Celebration will run from 7 to 10 p.m., at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. The evening will feature music provided by High Velocity Entertainment. Florida Blood Services will have a blood drive and the county’s supervisor of elections will be on site taking voter registrations. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. Visit largoevents.com.
North Redington Beach parade
NORTH REDINGTON BEACH – A parade is scheduled on Friday, July 4, 9 a.m., beginning at Addie Graham Park on 173rd Ave. The parade will continue through the town and end at Radcliffe Park. For information, call 391-4848.
John’s Pass fireworks show
MADEIRA BEACH – Syd Rice, owner of Gator’s Cafe, is sponsoring a fireworks display for Madeira Beach and Treasure Island on Friday, July 4, 9 p.m. The fireworks will be shot from a barge, donated by Johnson Brothers, in the Gulf west of John’s Pass, which separates Madeira Beach and Treasure Island. John’s Pass Village anchors the Madeira side of the pass, while Gators dominates the Treasure Island end. Both locations offer prime vantage points to view the fireworks show.
Redington Beach Property Owners Association party
REDINGTON BEACH – The Redington Beach Property Owners Association will host its annual beach party on Friday, July 4, 4 p.m., west of the town’s Beach Park at Gulf Boulevard and 160th Avenue. The party, which is open to Redington Beach residents and their guests, will include hot dogs, chips, dessert and drinks. Plans include music, children’s games, volleyball, horseshoes and prizes. Call 742-2955.
St. Petersburg’s July Fourth Extravaganza
ST. PETERSBURG – The city of St. Petersburg’s July Fourth Extravaganza will feature live entertainment at the Pier and family activities at North Straub Park, all starting at 2 p.m. Performing at the Pier will be Rhythm Method, 2 to 5 p.m., in the Waterside Courtyard; Drum Circle Facilitation by Giving Tree Music, 5 to 6 p.m., in the courtyard; the Dance Heads, 3 to 6 p.m., in the Dockside Activity Room; and the Suncoast Band, 6 to 10 p.m., in the courtyard.
Nancy and Chris and other disk jockeys from WMTX Mix 100.7M fame will be in the MIX tent from 3 to 9 p.m. in front of The Pier. Family activities will include food vendors, face and body painting; Fran, the Mechanical Woman; and “George Washington.” At 8 p.m. Jack Harris, from WFLA radio, will introduce this year’s Miss Florida contestants in the courtyard.
Fireworks will highlight the festivities. A 21-minute display is scheduled to start at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Other vantage points from which to view the fireworks include Vinoy Park, North Shore Park and Albert Whitted Park. Call 821-6443 or 893-7441 or visit www.stpetepier.com.
Safety Harbor celebration
SAFETY HARBOR – The Safety Harbor July 4 Celebration will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at Safety Harbor Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane. Entertainment will include music from Rebekah Pulley from 5 to 6:15 p.m.; John Q from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and patriotic music from 8:15 to 9 p.m. The national anthem will be sung by Katie Pounds at 9 p.m. and fireworks will follow. “Parent Guide Magazine” will host a family zone with moon walks, inflatable activities, crafts and miniature golf. Vendors will be selling food and drinks. Admission is free. Personal fireworks, including sparklers and Snap ‘n Pops noise-makers, are not permitted. Visit www.cityofsafetyharbor.com.
MOSI celebration includes dinner, dancing, fireworks
TAMPA – An evening of dinner, dancing and fireworks will be offered on Friday, July 4, at the Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Cocktails will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dinner seating will be 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served “under the stars” inside MOSI’s Saunders Planetarium. The event also will feature dancing in Kids in Charge!, a musical performance by Spirit of Freedom and champagne. Guests will gather on top of the IMAX Dome Theatre to view Tampa Bay’s fireworks displays.
Cost is $225 for individuals or $400 for couples. For reservations, call 813-987-6077 by June 30.
Tarpon Springs picnic, fireworks show
TARPON SPRINGS – A traditional 4th of July picnic is scheduled in Craig Park at Spring Bayou from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 4th. This event will include food and family friendly activities and is sponsored by Global Towers Inc.
bd’s Mongolian Grill and the city of Tarpon Springs will be sponsoring a fourth of July fireworks display at sunset. The best viewing area will be Fred Howard Park located at 1700 Sunset Drive. The park, beach and causeway will be open for parking to view this event. Parking is limited so people are advised to come early.
After the park is full to capacity, the gates will be closed for safety concerns. Please observe all the county park rules and regulations during this celebration. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park.
Due to safety and fire hazard concerns, no fireworks (including sparklers) of any kind will be allowed in the park. Any fireworks brought into the park will be confiscated and those responsible will be asked to leave the park.
Fireworks will be launched from the City’s Sunset Park Beach on Gulf Road. Due to the use of this location for the launch, Sunset Beach, including the boat ramp facilities, will close at 4 p.m. on July 4th. The watercraft area at Howard Park will be closed at the same time Sunset Beach is closing for safety concerns.
Howard Park will begin closing immediately after the fireworks program. Please exercise caution when exiting the park. Pedestrians will be asked to stay off roadways to allow vehicles to exit the park. There is only one entry and exit to the park. Spectators are urged to bring any urgent supplies such as water, medicine or special needs supplies.
The city is coordinating the event with the assistance and cooperation of the Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
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Article published on Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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