| Published July 2023 |
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FIREWORKS & EVENTS AROUND THE BAY
Here’s what’s happening this 4th of July in the Tampa Bay Area
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Living in Tampa Bay during the 4th of July celebrations is all about where to celebrate and watch the fireworks! There are so many choices and locations. We have compiled a list of some of the BEST 4th of July festivities around the Bay.
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CLEARWATER CELEBRATES AMERICA
Tuesday, July 4 at 10am-11pm. Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Clearwater Celebrates America will include a classic car show featuring vintage cars and trucks. Shop local at the farmers market, enjoy the sounds of street entertainers and let the kids burn off energy with family-friendly entertainment. As the day comes to a close, witness the grand finale – the largest fireworks display in Clearwater’s history accompanied by The Florida Orchestra. Following the fireworks, stick around for an immersive silent disco party to keep the celebration going!
Tickets are required for the free concert on July 4 and are available in advance at TheSoundFLA.com. General admission is first come, first serve. Chairs are limited, bringing blankets is encouraged.
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STAR SPANGLED SPARKMAN
Tuesday, July 4 at 4pm
Sparkman Wharf is celebrating Independence Day with its 5th annual Star Spangled Sparkman— a staple community event with entertainment for all ages. Guests will have a spectacular waterfront view of the fireworks show as one of Tampa Bay’s prime viewing locations. Guests will also have front row viewing of the annual Blessing of the Fleet, followed by the Boat Parade and Water Ski Show presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk.
Event schedule:
11:00 a.m. Sparkman Wharf opens
4:00 p.m. Star Spangled Sparkman begins
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m DJs presented by Classic Entertainment
6:00 p.m. Water Ski Show presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk
9:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m Fireworks show
The event is free and open to the public. Sparkman Wharf will be limiting capacity— guests are encouraged to arrive early.
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ANNUAL JULY 4TH BOAT PARADE AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET IN TAMPA
Tuesday July 4th From 4-6pm
Celebrate July 4th with a Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf. Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for most patriotic boat! There will be prize bags for all registered boaters. Check into all our Poker Run stops to be eligible for various raffle prizes!
Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP is available for purchase to view the parade with seating, drinks and food!
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THE FOURTH ST. PETE AT THE PIER
Tuesday, July 4th 4pm-10pm
The outdoor, family-friendly festivities at the Pier will include fun activities such as the third annual St. Pete Pier run, a craft beer garden, food trucks, and local vendors. There will be live music roaming entertainers, and more! The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show, sponsored by the City of St. Pete, will be visible from the downtown waterfront, including Bayshore Dr, Straub Park, and Vinoy Park. Prior to the show, the 13th US Army Band will be performing patriotic opera music. Fireworks will begin at 9pm.
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TREASURE ISLAND - CELEBRATE AMERICA FIREWORKS SHOW
Tuesday, July 4th at 9 pm
Watch a stunning display of patriotic fireworks from the beach at Gulf Front Park located at 10400 Gulf Blvd. Bring your beach towel and chairs to sit back, relax and enjoy the show! You’ll want to arrive a bit early to ensure you get a parking spot.
PARKING:
Metered Public Parking Areas In Close Proximity to View the Fireworks
Treasure Island Community Center, One Park Place @ 106th Avenue – metered parking
St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, Gulf Boulevard @ 112th Avenue – metered parking
Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Boulevard – Metered Parking
Sandpiper Lot, Gulf Boulevard at 100th Avenue – metered parking
Treasure Island City Hall, 120 108th Avenue – metered parking
Other Metered Public Parking Areas
Heron Lot, Bay Shore Drive and 75th Avenue, Sunset Beach
Tern Lot, West Gulf Boulevard at 77th to 79th Avenue, next to Sunset Beach Pavilion
Ring-Billed Gull Lot, West Gulf Boulevard at 81st Avenue, Sunset Beach
Brown Pelican Lot, West Gulf Boulevard at 88th Avenue, Sunset Beach
Sunset Vista Lot, 120th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, Sunshine Beach
White Egret Lot, 126th Avenue, Sunshine Beach
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Starkey Market's Annual Fourth of July Extravaganza
Tuesday July 4th at 10 am & 6 pm
Starkey Market in New Party Richey is celebrating July 4th with family-friendly fun, plenty of food, music and of course, fireworks! Tickets range from $10-$27.50 when purchased in advance. Children 6 and younger are free.
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LUTZ FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND PARADE
Tuesday, July 4th at 8:15 am
Kick of your July 4th morning with a one-mile fun run followed by a Flag Ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 12 and Civil Air Patrol. The parade begins at 10:00 am with a cake auction fundraiser at the Lutz Civic Center just after the parade ends.
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Tuesday, July 4th 10 am-Noon & 5-9pm
Bring the whole family out for a July 4th Parade Safety Harbor style. There will be children’s activities, live entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of fun for the whole family.Get a good seat at the Marina or Waterfront Park because the best fireworks display in Tampa Bay goes off at exactly 9:00 p.m.
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Want a waterfront view for the 4th?
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Yacht Starship Fourth of July Tampa Fireworks Cruises
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise! All ages are welcome.
Yacht Starship Fourth of July Clearwater Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 boarding at 7pm
The Clearwater Yacht Starship dinner cruise is the perfect place to celebrate this year’s Independence Day. There will be a buffet, an open bar, a live DJ, dancing, and a beautiful view of the fireworks from Coachman Park. Tickets sell out early, so make sure to get yours soon.
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4th of July Cocktails
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Click each recipe below for more info
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Red, White and Blue Wine Spritzer: White wine spritzers are a classic summer beverage for a reason. Add some blue and red and you’ve got yourself a killer cocktail for America’s birthday. (via pretty plain janes)
Blackberry Gin and Tonic: This fresh twist on an oldie-but-goodie adds some pop to your bar and some flag-inspired color to your glass. (via Nutmeg Nanny)
Shandies: It wouldn’t be a true July 4th shindig without an ice cold beer, now would it? Take your brew to the next level with this refreshing shandy recipe. (via Camille Styles)
Red, White and Blue Jello Shots: It’s no secret that, here at Brit HQ, we love a good jello shot. So naturally, Independence Day called for whipping up a patriotic batch! (via Brit + Co.)
Watermelon Blueberry Cooler: The only thing better than watermelon on a hot summer night is a delicious watermelon cocktail. (via Tasty Trials)
Blueberry Coconut Sparkler: Fresh blueberries, coconut rum and ginger ale combine to make a festive drink with just the right hint of tropical paradise. The coconut flakes on the rim are a fun final touch. (via Pizzazzerie)
Fourth of July Slushie: A perfect way to cool off, these slushies are super easy to make and super fun to drink, which is every party-thrower’s dream. (via A Healthy Life for Me)
Purple Independence: Who says everything’s gotta be red, white and blue? This cocktail’s color makes it a little bit of (delicious) rebellion in a glass and a pretty addition to your table. (via A Year of Cocktails)
Bomb Pop Jello Shots: There’s just something about the 4th of July that brings out the big kid inside all of us. These popsicle-inspired shots are the perfect way to indulge. (via That’s So Michelle)
Patriotic Panna Cotta Shooters: Bring on the stars and stripes! We love a good spiked sweet and this gorgeous panna cotta definitely hits the spot. (via Sprinkle Bake)
Click here for more 4th of July cocktails and mocktails.
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Don’t Forget about the Kids
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Firecracker Popcorn
This popcorn is decorated with ALL the sprinkles and is sure to cause a few fireworks. Fill paper bags with your popcorn, and gift them to your party guests as they arrive. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
The Fourth of July is the birthday of the USA, so it only makes sense that you make her a birthday cookie cake to celebrate. Use seasonal red, white and blue M&M’s and a ton of sprinkles to decorate. (via Crazy for Crust)
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
Recreate your favorite childhood snack with a patriotic touch this year. These popcorn balls will be loved by both the adults and kids at the party, so they definitely won’t go to waste. (via Creations by Kara)
Red, White & Blue Layered Finger Jello
Kids will love helping you make (and eat!) this Jello treat. If you want to make a separate adults-only batch with a bit of vodka, we won’t judge you. (via Brown Eyed Baker)
Click here for even more festive 4th of July recipes.
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Wanna Get Away?
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Here are the best sites to book a local staycation-or if you’re feeling adventurous to get out of town with.
The Top 7 Best Travel Websites in the World to Grab a Last Minute Travel Deal
· #1 Airbnb
· #2 Vrbo
· #3 Kayak
· #4 Momondo
· #5 Skiplagged
· #6 Jetsetter
· #7 Luxury Retreats
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HOT TIPS:
For those who are flying this 4th of July, you may find your flight delayed or even worse canceled. The airline industry is experiencing a record number of flight delays. Hopefully, you aren’t impacted. You should know the rules so the airline doesn’t try to take advantage of you.
According to the department of transportation, travelers are entitled to cash compensation if their flight is delayed. The cash compensation is as follows:
0 to 1-hour arrival delay
No Compensation
1 to 2-hour arrival delay
200% of one-way fare (airlines may limit the compensation up to $775 if the one-way fare is higher than $775)
Over 2-hour arrival delay
400% of one-way fare (airlines may limit the compensation up to $1,550 if 400% of the one-way fare is higher than $1,550)
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A Message From Craig
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The 4th of July, what I prefer to call Independence Day, has always been one of my favorite holidays. Growing up in Tampa Bay on a ski lake meant water activities on the lake, grilling during the day, and watching fireworks in the evening. Although these fun and festive traditions are part of what makes the holiday special to me. It's also a holiday that causes me to reflect on our country's history, the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much, and the countless American heroes known and unknown who have contributed to making this country great. As I reflect on these things, I am always overwhelmed with gratitude. My vision is that we all will realize that we are stronger as a country when we respect and care for each other this Independence Day and every day…
Let's take time this week to salute each other and the nation we call home.
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Thank You…
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Thank you for reading my digital newsletter. I am passionate about our community of Tampa Bay and enjoy sharing it with others. If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, sell, invest, or has any real-estate-related questions, please reach out to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve those who appreciate this slice of paradise.
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