It’s hard to believe that the July 4th holiday is almost upon us. The summer 2014 beach season is in full effect. We’re enjoying bright sunny days, soft sandy beaches, Gulf of Mexico breezes and crystalline blue-green waters.
If you’re vacationing on Florida’s Gulf Coast over the holiday weekend, here are our favorite Fourth of July fireworks and Independence Day celebrations. Start making your plans now!
Clearwater Celebrates America
Coachman Park in Clearwater offers a free family fun on the Fourth of July. Brighthouse Clearwater hosts the Clearwater Celebrates America event with live music from the Mostly Pops Orchestra and the Wilsons, as well as one of the area’s largest fireworks displays. Food and beverage vendors along with other exhibitors are on-hand for the July 4th celebration. Children’s activities abound with face painting, games, parades, Radio Disney and more. Gates open at 4p.m., music begins at 7:30p.m., children’s activities run from 5-9p.m., and the night ends with fireworks beginning at 9:30p.m. Don’t forget, admission is free.
4th of July Celebration at Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park hosts the 4th of July Celebration from 6-10p.m. presented by the City of Largo. Enjoy entertainment including a DJ and a performance by Largo Teen Idol winner Francesca Giorgianni. Take part in the family-friendly fun, in addition to food and beverage concessions. The Fourth of July fireworks display begins around 9p.m.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Try something different this July 4th with a fireworks cruise aboard the Bay Spirit II, which departs from the Florida Aquarium in Tampa at 7:30p.m. Guests enjoy an intimate sunset cruise around Tampa Bay highlighted by the best seats on the water for the the fireworks display. Ticket cost for the Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise is $69 general admission; $59 aquarium members. Ticket price includes aquarium admission, one drink ticket and hors d’oeuvres. The Florida Aquarium in Tampa also offers other July 4th special events as part of your admission that day including extended hours and a fireworks display.
Madeira Beach 4th of July Fireworks
Archibald Park at Madeira Beach offers a July 4th fireworks display beginning at dusk. Find your spot and enjoy the show.
Redington Shores Fireworks 
Redington Shores County Beach across from the Friendly Tavern offers a fireworks display at dusk on Friday, July 4. Grab your favorite beach chair or blanket and enjoy the show.
And More
We have barely touched upon the local July 4th celebrations, fireworks and Independence Day events happening on the Gulf Coast of Florida. There are just too many to mention. We hope you’ll be attending at least one of our area celebrations this year. If you are, we’d love to hear about it.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
