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Watch the sparks fly
Fireworks are the highlight of almost every July Fourth celebration today. While you wait for the light show, there's entertainment galore.
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times
published July 4, 2002
[Times photo: Thomas M. Goethe]
Fireworks brighten the Tampa skyline during the Fourth of July celebrations in 2001.
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Communities all over the Tampa Bay area plan to celebrate Independence Day with activities ranging from cookouts to tours of a World War II cargo carrier. And, of course, there will be fireworks. Here's a list of some of today's festivities.
South Pinellas
Downtown St. Petersburg -- The Pier has kids activities 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and live music 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Family activities and entertainment begin at 5 p.m. at Straub and Vinoy parks, Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive. Fireworks about 9 p.m. Free.
Gulfport Celebration -- Sandcastle contest 10 a.m.-noon, family activities 4-7 p.m., parade 7 p.m., fireworks 9:15 p.m. at Gulfport Beach and other areas in downtown Gulfport. Free.
Kenneth City Fourth -- Parade, safety festival and picnic with free hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn and drinks. Parade begins 10 a.m. Festival follows; picnic ends at 1 p.m. Free.
Pinellas beaches
Madeira Beach Fireworks -- Display about 9 p.m. (weather permitting); may be viewed from City Hall, Madeira Shopping Plaza, Madeira Middle School and other locations in Madeira Beach. Free.
St. Pete Beach Fireworks -- City-sponsored display shot from the beach behind the Lido condominiums, across from Dolphin Village Shopping Center, between 7 and 9 p.m.. Free.
Treasure Island Fourth -- Clam Bayou Jazz Band performs 8 to 10:30 p.m. at Treasure Island Municipal Beach, Gulf Boulevard and 112th Avenue, with fireworks display around 9 p.m. (dusk); free.
North Pinellas
Clearwater Celebrates America -- With concerts, exhibitors, food; also "Tribute to America" with the Air National Guard, Band of the South and the Mostly Pops Orchestra with vocalists John and Mary K. Wilson, 4 to 9:30 p.m., Coachman Park, Drew and Cleveland streets, Clearwater. Fireworks follow. Free.
Dunedin Fourth -- Entertainment, arts and crafts, exhibits, kids activities and food. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Edgewater Park, 51 Main St., next to the marina, Dunedin. Free. Fee for food.
Tarpon Springs Freedom Festival -- "Salute to American Heroes" with arts and crafts; displays by fire, rescue and law enforcement organizations; contests, and other activities. Begins at noon, Craig Park on Spring Bayou, Tarpon Springs. Free. Fees for some contests. Fireworks at sunset at Tarpon Springs Golf Course, 1310 S Pinellas Ave. (Alt. U.S. 19). Free.
Red, White and Boom! -- Largo's fireworks display begins at dusk in Taylor Park, 1100 Eighth Ave. SW, Largo. Free.
Hillsborough
SS American Victory tours -- World War II era cargo carrier being restored to a mariner's memorial and museum offers "Four for the Fourth" admission special for self-guided restoration tour and view of fireworks. Tours 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on ship, docked at 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa (behind the Florida Aquarium). $4 adults, $3 ages 6-12.
Big, Bang, Boom! -- Ybor City celebration for the family with entertainment, contests and activities throughout the area 4 to 11 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. from the Centro Ybor area. Free.
Freedom Fest -- Festival outside the Florida Aquarium and along Channelside Drive, with family activities, music, food and fireworks. Festival 5 to 9 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 701 Channelside Drive and nearby area. Fireworks display 9 p.m. today only. Free.
North Suncoast
Celebrate America -- Old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with games, contests, food and Black Hawk helicopter. Begins at noon, Weeki Wachee Springs, U.S. 19 and SR 50. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Free.
Boom Bash 2002 -- With music, car show, sports celebrity autograph session and fireworks 3 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks 9:15 p.m, Gulf View Square Mall, U.S. 19 and Embassy Blvd., Port Richey. Free.
Sparklebration -- Festival with entertainment, games, car show, food, fireworks, more. Fireworks 9 p.m. Pasco County Fairgrounds, Dade City. $2 adults, free for ages 12 and under. Parking $5.
All American Dinner and Fireworks -- Dinner buffet with barbecue, hamburgers and more from 4 to 6 p.m., music by Razz Ma Tazz! from 6-9 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m., Rock Crusher Canyon, 275 S Rock Crusher Road, Crystal River. $25 adults, $12.50 for ages 6-12.
Dunnellon Boomtown Blast -- Family celebration with entertainment, contests, kids activities, food and fireworks. Gates open at 6 p.m., fireworks around 9:30 p.m., Dunnellon High School, SW 180th Avenue Road, between SR 484 and SR 40, Dunnellon.
ON TV
If you'd rather stay home and watch fireworks on TV, Bay News 9 will broadcast the spectaculars from St. Petersburg and Bradenton live at 9 p.m.
Other Independence Day television specials include A Capitol Fourth from Washington, D.C., 8 p.m., WEDU-Ch. 3; Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, 9 p.m., WFLA-Ch. 8; In Search of America: A July 4th Musical Celebration with Peter Jennings, 8 p.m., WTSP-Ch. 28; The Spirit of America Concert from Atlantic City, 9:30 p.m., WUSF-Ch. 16; and Pop Goes the Fourth from Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m., A&E.
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