Get out your red, white, and blue, TBAY. America’s 247th birthday is tomorrow, and if you’re still hunting down plans, we got you.
Here are five ways to commemorate the Fourth around the Tampa Bay area + a handful of tips for celebrating safely at home.
Tampa fireworks
July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, and Blessing of the Fleet | Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa | 6-9 p.m. | Free+
- Watch red, white, and blue decorated boats + water skiers drift through the Ybor Turning Basin. Register your boat online for $50.
- Viewing spots: The best places to watch the action are Armature Works, the Tampa Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Park, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Sparkman Wharf, and Water Works Park.
July 4th Fireworks Cruise with Private Water Taxi | Departing from Tampa Convention Center Dock | 8:30-9:30 p.m. | $54.95-$59.95
- Don’t miss out on these on-the-water views of Downtown Tampa’s fireworks display.
- Pro tip: Put on your most patriotic outfit to win prizes, and bring cash for the onboard bar.
Star Spangled Sparkman | Sparkman Wharf | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Free
- Experience a night of festive food, drinks, and photo opportunities while enjoying mesmerizing fireworks displays and DJ performances.
*It’s worth noting the three events above will share one giant city-wide fireworks display
48th Annual Temple Terrace Independence Day Celebration | 1st fairway of Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, 600 Inverness Ave., Temple Terrace | 6-10 p.m. | Free
- Listen to Charlie Imes + the Sundogs as they provide a musical backdrop (Think: Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor, Tom Petty, and the Beatles tunes) to all the fun.
- For the kiddos: Best of the Bay winner magician Cory Van Valin will be strolling around doing close-up magic. Fireworks kick off at 9:15 p.m.
Dawn your best Independence Day fits, TBAY. Send them our way.
Photo via City of Tampa
St. Pete-Clearwater fireworks
The Fourth | Spa Beach Park & Family Park on the St. Pete Pier | 4-10 p.m. | Free
- Come early to enjoy an array of barbecue and drinks from the Craft Beer Garden, Uncle Sam’s Market, food trucks, and vendors.
- Viewing spots: Set up your picnic blankets at Albert Whitted Park, North Straub Park, South Straub Park, or North Shore Park to catch the fireworks.
Independence Day Celebration at Clearwater Threshers | BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Rd., Clearwater | 5:30 p.m.-12 a.m. | $8-$10
- Watch one of our local MiLB teams take on the Palm Beach Cardinals — enjoy deals on Budweiser products + take in some post-game fireworks.
- Pro tip: If you can’t make the game on the holiday, the team celebrates again on Saturday, July 8.
DIY driveway displays
If you’re looking to avoid the stress of traffic, why not stay home + make some memories with your friends, fam, and community? Fireworks are legal to purchase and light off here in the Sunshine State on this holiday. But rules vary from county to county:
- The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County Fire Marshals’ fireworks ordinance follows the state law with no additional regulations.
- In Pinellas County, fireworks are banned — we suggest sticking to sparklers.
More pro tips
DYK fireworks burn at temperatures up to 860 degrees? We highly recommend keeping these safety tips in mind:
- Keep kids from handling or using them, and keep an eye on them if you give them sparklers.
- Drinking alcohol and handling fireworks do not mix — pass the responsibilities off to a sober friend.
- Have a water source available, whether it be a bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or garden hose.
- Microchip Fido beforehand in case the loud booms scare them.
