| Published July 2024 |
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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 AT COACHMAN PARK
Thursday, July 04, 2024 | 05:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Starting at 5 p.m., enjoy local vendors and food trucks, family friendly activities, live music and buskers throughout the park.
There will be a free patriotic performance at The BayCare Sound by The BayCare Sound Symphony. No tickets are needed and seating is first-come, first served. A fireworks display will grace the night's sky at 9:30 p.m.
Following the fireworks, join an immersive silent disco party on the Coachman Park Promenade Pier until 11 p.m.
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STAR SPANGLED SPARKMAN
Thursday, July 4th from 4 – 9:30 p.m.
Sparkman Wharf’s 6th annual Star Spangled Sparkman is back.
Enjoy live entertainment, a game zone, face painting, roaming performers, and tasty food and drink specials. Experience our waterfront views and see the Blessing of the Fleet, a Boat Parade, and a Water Ski Show before the grand fireworks finale.
Event Schedule:
11am - Sparkman Wharf opens
4pm - Star Spangled Sparkman begins & Premier Viewing area opens
4pm-9pm - DJs presented by Classic Entertainment
6pm - Water Ski Show presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk
9pm-9:15pm - Fireworks show
The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so come early!
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ANNUAL JULY 4TH BOAT PARADE AND BLESSING OF THE FLEET IN TAMPA
Date: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Time: 4 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Sparkman Wharf
Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Riverwalk as we host a July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf. The parade route will be similar to our holiday light boat parade but will include a Water Ski Show to kick off the celebration and a blessing station. Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat! We will also provide prize bags for all registered boaters.
Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP tickets are available for purchase to view the water ski show, parade and fireworks with seating, drinks and food! Umbrellas are allowed but outside chairs and coolers are prohibited.
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THE FOURTH ST. PETE AT THE PIER
Date & Times:
Thursday, July 4th 2024
4pm to 10pm
This event is filled with fun activities for all, including the 4th annual St. Pete Pier Run, Craft Beer Garden, Uncle Sam's Market, Family Fun Zone, Food Trucks & Vendors, Live Music on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater Main Stage, roaming entertainers, and so much more!
The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg is scheduled at 9 pm and will be visible from the entire Downtown waterfront.
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TAMPA’S BOOM BY THE BAY
Thursday, July 4
Boom by the Bay, powered by TECO, at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park (1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607) is Tampa’s premier Independence Day celebration, featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, an Apple Pie Throwdown, and a fireworks display. The event is free and open to the public, in collaboration with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Armature Works, Sparkman Wharf, and Friends of the Riverwalk.
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2024 FOURTH OF JULY HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
Thursday, July 4 · 6:30 - 7pm EDT
Want to put your stomach to the test? Register for our Hot Dog Eating Competition as part of our Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works!
The competition kicks off at 6:30pm at the Riverfront Stage. There will be contestants from around the Bay who will compete to see who can take down the most dogs within a 5-minute period.
The winner will take home the championship title which includes a $500 gift card, the championship belt, as well as bragging rights. Second and third place winners will each take home $100 Gift Cards and all competitors receive a branded T-shirt. We are offering contestants all-beef dogs provided by our very own Butcher n' Barbecue. Tickets to enter the competition are limited and first come, first serve. Entry fee is $25.
Join us as we celebrate all things America and indulge in some friendly, community competition!
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SAFETY HARBOR FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Thursday, July 4th, 10am-12pm
The American Legion Auxiliary will host a patriotic parade down Main Street on the morning of July 4th. Wear your red, white, and blue and be ready for a good time. To enter a float in the parade, call (727)726-9601. Stick around after the parade for a Patriotic Ceremony at the Gazebo at approximately 11:30am..
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SAFETY HARBOR FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
Thursday, July 4 – Sunday, July 7, 2024
The Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor will be hosting a July 4th golf tournament on their Copperhead Course, teeing off with a Hole-in-One contest and a Bloody Mary Bar. That night, dress in your best reds, whites and blues at the Stars and Stripes Ball. Throughout the weekend, swing by the Loch Ness Pool for family fun activities like face painting, ice cream sandwich contests, golf cart parades and a Friday night fireworks display over the resort.
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Want a waterfront view for the 4th?
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Yacht Starship Fourth of July Tampa Fireworks Cruises
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Boards: 6:30pm
Cruise time: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a spectacular 4th of July VIP Fireworks Cruise! This 2.5-hour cruise includes an open premium bar, buffet dinner, DJ entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks finale! All ages are welcome, but you must be 21+ with valid ID to drink. These cruises sell out every year rain or shine! Book your tickets in advance to ensure availability!
Yacht Starship Fourth of July Clearwater Fireworks Dinner Cruise
Set sail on StarShip in Clearwater, featuring an open bar that’s Free at Sea*. It’s the ultimate dining adventure on the waterways of Clearwater Beach. Take in spectacular views of Clearwater on our open-air top deck while enjoying a complimentary open bar. It’s time to escape and relax! Enjoy a 2-hour cruise, dining aboard America’s first 3-Diamond-rated dining yacht, refreshing beverages, and beautiful coastal views.
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Click each title to view the recipes
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Firecracker Shots
Nothing says patriotism like gelatin shots! Kick off the 4th of July festivities with these red and blue gelatin cups sweetened with Blue Curacao and grenadine, spiked with vodka and topped with whipped cream. (Recipe courtesy of Victoria Belanger)
Rainbow Jell-O Shot Cups
These eye-popping, multilayered rainbow treats are spiked with a little vodka but you could substitute water to make them alcohol-free. ROY G. BIV Jell-O colors are layered diagonally with creamy panna cotta to give this dessert a gravity-defying appearance. (The technique may look complicated, but it’s easy using an empty egg carton!) Once assembled, these cups keep well in the refrigerator, so they can be made ahead for convenience. (Recipe courtesy of Heather Baird)
Bomb Pop
Childhood nostalgia meets adult fun with this boozy take on the classic ice cream truck treat. The fruity, citrusy mix of grenadine, citron vodka, and blue curaçao is a festive alternative to your usual poolside sippers for summer and Fourth of July parties. (By Liquor.com)
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4TH OF JULY MOCKTAIL
This fun and patriotic mocktail is perfect for 4th of July! Using naturally red, white and blue ingredients, there are no artificial colors or dyes in this recipe, making it a drink you can feel great about serving to your family! (via The Jam Jar Kitchen)
RAINBOW COCONUT WATER SPRITZERS
Actually, we can eat and drink the rainbow at the same time! A rainbow coconut water mocktail, more specifically spritzers? HELLO. It’s almost like a non-boozy coconut water sangria. Without the wine. And with rainbow fruit. So basic that only us Target lovers would understand? Quite possibly (via Jessica)
TRIPLE BERRY MOCKTAIL RECIPE
This triple berry mocktail combines the flavors of three berries with a splash of fresh lime for one amazing combination. (via Britni Vigil)
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Classic Deviled Eggs
A classic appetizer, deviled eggs bring the party to any event. Whether you're serving them at your BBQ, Easter dinner, or summer potluck, you can't go wrong with this satisfying app. While they’re fairly simple to make, there are a few ways you can go wrong when making this classic. If you’re looking for a foolproof method to hard boiling and filling your deviled eggs, our best-ever recipe should be your new go-to. Ready to dive in? Read on for all of our top tips on making perfect homemade deviled eggs. (by Lauren Miyashiro)
Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta
We're big fans of classic bruschetta, but when we're craving a sweet twist on the classic summer appetizer, we turn to this strawberry-balsamic version. Baguette slices are toasted in the oven until nice and crispy before being topped with a ricotta spread, sweet strawberries, basil, and a balsamic glaze. The result is a sweet-tangy bite that works just as well as a starter as a post-dinner treat. (by Lena Abraham)
Meatball Sub Egg Rolls
These fun little hybrids are exactly what they sound like—all of the fillings you'd find in a meatball sub loaded into an egg roll wrapper and deep-fried until golden brown, delicious, and perfect for folks who don't want their hands covered in hot marinara sauce. (by Brooke Caison)
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Campfire Hot Dog Skewers
Skip the chicken skewers or basic hot dogs in a bun—if you're looking for the most creative grilled recipe or a way to get even the kids excited, then turn to these hot dog skewers. They're a slightly sweet, summer-worthy skewer made to be served at any Fourth of July BBQ, camping trip, or casual summer dinner. (by Lena Abraham)
Classic Potato Salad
A classic potato salad is a must-have at every picnic and BBQ, and ours is the best—it's creamy and tangy, with a little bit of crunch from the onion and pickles. What it's not: too sweet, which is one of our potato salad pet peeves. If you’re looking for a classic, no-fuss potato salad that won’t disappoint, this is it. (by Lauren Miyashiro)
Grilled Potatoes
Burgers and fries might be a culinary power couple, but if you’re already using the grill for burgers, you can’t go wrong with these grilled potatoes. Cooked until lightly charred and drizzled with a bright green herb sauce, these simple spuds will make you wish every night was a cook-out. (by Taylor Ann Spencer)
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Fruit Pizza
Fruit pizza is a classic summertime dessert. The combination of a soft, buttery sugar cookie crust with tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting and colorful fresh fruit is irresistible, not to mention beautiful. (by Sally)
Berry Cobbler Recipe
Carefree summer dessert at its finest! Seasonal berries are nestled below a lightly sweetened biscuit crust and finished off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Prepare this easy dessert in a casserole dish, or try small ramekins for individual servings. (by Sally)
4th of July Tie-Dye Cake (and Cupcakes)
Here’s everything you need to know about how to make festive, colorful tie-dyed vanilla cakes and cupcakes. These are always a huge hit with kids! (by Sally)
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• Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
Where can you stay?
See hotels in Miami
See hotels in Miami Beach
• New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
Where can you stay?
See hotels in New York
• Toronto, Ontario Canada (YYZ, YTZ) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
Where can you stay?
See hotels in Toronto
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks.
Where can you stay?
See hotels in Philadelphia
• Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - Just Under a 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
Where can you stay?
See hotels in Washington DC
Click here to learn more about the article Best Weekend Getaways from Tampa
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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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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 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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