Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Florida

• Panama City Beach: Star Spangled Spectacular Fireworks kick off on July 2 at Papa Joe’s Bayside and the fun continues nightly through July 4.
• Celebrate: Fort Walton Beach Emerald Coast events kick off on July 3.
• Pensacola: Fireworks at the Beach Fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The show starts at 8:30 p.m
• Apalachicola: Independence Eve Celebration Enjoy live music and food, a parade, and an ice cream social before a spectacular fireworks display over the Apalachicola River on July 3rd.
• Tallahassee: Celebrate America at Tom Brown Park The event begins at 5:00 on July 4. Fireworks begin right after the National Anthem at 9:45.

• Naples: Fourth of July The celebration kicks off with a parade on July 3, followed by a fireworks show on July 4th beginning at 9 p.m.
• Fort Myers: 4th of July Fireworks The event runs all day with fireworks on July 4 beginning at 8:45 p.m. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. to oncoming traffic, so you can get off the island but not on.
• Key West: The Key Lime Festival This event runs July 1 - 5 and draws the largest crowd of key lime enthusiasts for one of Florida’s biggest foodie events. The festival concludes with a massive fireworks show over the beautiful Casa Marina Resort.

• Sarasota: July 4 Fireworks The action starts at 9 p.m. from a boat docked in Sarasota Bay. Grab a spot along the waterfront for best viewing.
• Sarasota: Boat Races Check out the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival from June 26 to June 28 with the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular on July 4 at 9 p.m.
• Tampa Bay Celebrations The 813Area.com site shows the best events for July 4th weekend. For Pinellas County, check out 727Area.com.

• Orlando: Walt Disney World Disney World celebrates the Fourth of July on both July 3 and 4 this year at various times in its different parks. Check the link to see which one works out best for you. But beware: This holiday is traditionally one of the busiest days at the parks!
• Altamonte Red Hot and Boom (Canceled for 2021).
• Orlando: Fireworks at the Fountain Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will be on hand at Lake Eola Park on July 4 for the annual Fireworks at the Fountain. Events begin at 5 p.m. with activities for children, live entertainment, and food and drinks (for purchase). The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
• Gainesville: Fanfares and Fireworks The University of Florida Bandshell is the host for live music and fireworks presented by WUFT-TV and WUFT-FM. The festivities will take place on July 3 from 6 p.m to 10 p.m.
• Red, White & BLUES on the Plaza Bring a chair or grab a swing and extend your 4th of July celebration through the weekend and kick off festivities on July 2. Free! Centennial Plaza, 101 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL. Sat., July 6, 6-8 pm

• Fort Lauderdale: Fourth of July Spectacular Event highlights for the night include family activities, DJ, and a live performance by The Beach Boys. Festivities start at noon and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
• America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park The fun starts at 3 p.m. on July 4 and includes a family fun zone, Budweiser Beer Garden, live music and fireworks (scheduled to start at 9 p.m.)

• Jacksonville If downtown is your preferred destination, there are a number of viewing areas to watch the fireworks. Gather in your favorite spot early and be ready for the action beginning at 5 p.m. and fireworks rounding out the night at 9:45.
• St. Augustine St. Augustine’s Fourth of July celebration at the Castillo de San Marcos includes live music and a spectacular fireworks display over the historic bayfront.

Credit to Florida Travel Life website.