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Letter to the editor

Fantastic Fourth

Take a jog Tuesday night and celebrate on Wednesday.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published June 29, 2007

Wednesday is America's birthday, with the requisite picnics, flag-waving youngsters, patriotic music, fireworks and afterparty traffic jams.

Though there is little one can do about roads, a few precautions will help keep the Fourth fantastic.

Fireworks: It's illegal to shoot the kind that launch or explode into the air without a permit, but things that hiss, whistle, smoke or sparkle are fine. Be sure little ones wear shoes and are closely supervised - nothing like a burnt foot or finger to ruin the holiday.

Pets: While we enjoy the pyrotechnics, don't forget about the pets that may fear their noise. Symptoms of stress include drooling, howling, barking and trembling. Unfortunately at this time of year, many pets escape from home, only to get lost or hit by a car.

Pinellas County Animal Services recommends that pet owners keep pets inside on July 4, shelter them from the noise, try to be with them during the displays, and consider calming medications if necessary.

Beachgoers: Officials advise beachgoers to avoid designated bird nesting areas and the temptation to flush groups of birds that may be nesting, feeding or sheltering eggs.

CLEARWATER

Clearwater Celebrates America

Where: Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.

When: Gates open at 4 p.m. Tuesday and 2 p.m. Wednesday. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Who: The Southern rock band the Outlaws takes the stage at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, followed by Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas, at 9 p.m. On Wednesday, the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John and Mary K. Wilson performs at 7:30 p.m.

Etc: There will be food and activities for families at this free event. Canned goods and toiletries will be collected Wednesday for U.S. troops. For more information, call 727 562-4800 or visit www.myclearwater.com.

DUNEDIN

Kiwanis Morton Plant Mease Midnight Run

Where: The race, which follows the Dunedin Causeway, begins and ends at the Causeway Plaza.

When: The 1-mile run starts at 11 p.m. Tuesday, followed by the 5K run at 11:25 p.m. The 10K run begins at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday. Registration begins at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Etc.: Fees vary. For more information call (727) 535-2257 or visit www.kiwanis midnightrun.com.

LARGO

Independence Day Celebration

Where: Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

Who: Performers include Courtney Jans, and the Black Honkeys.

Etc: Bring chairs and blankets to the free event. Pets, coolers, alcohol or personal fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted. Free shuttle parking will be available at Largo High School and at the Pinellas County School Board parking lot. For more information call Largo Recreation, Parks and Arts at (727) 587-6775 or visit www.largo.com.

SAFETY HARBOR

Celebration and fireworks

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.

Where: Along Bayshore Boulevard, at the Safety Harbor Marina and on the back lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.

TARPON SPRINGS

Fireworks

When: At dusk Wednesday

Where: The best viewing is from Fred Howard Park, 1700 Sunset Drive. The beach and causeway area within the park will be open. Come early as the park gates will close when the park is full. No alcoholic beverages or fireworks, including sparklers, are allowed. Expect traffic delays leaving the park.

Etc: The fireworks will launch from Sunset Park Beach on Gulf Road. Sunset Beach and the boat ramp facilities will close at 4 p.m. The watercraft area at Howard Park will also be closed. For information, call (727) 938-3711.

[Last modified June 28, 2007, 22:26:52]