Pinellas celebrates nation's freedom

(Looking for 2008?  Go HERE--This is a 2007 Post, but the link below for TBN HAS BEEN updated for the current year--the rest HAVE NOT.  Thank you to Suzette Porter for calling me to let me know!  :^))

PINELLAS COUNTY - Here are some ideas for where to go for fireworks and music as Pinellas celebrates Independence Day on Wednesday, July 4, provided in part by: TBN  .  Have a fun and safe holiday!

Clearwater Celebrates America
CLEARWATER - The 17th Annual Clearwater Celebrates America is July 3 and 4 in Coachman Park, 301 Drew St.

On Tuesday, July 3, the legendary Southern Rock Band the Outlaws opens the show at 7:15 p.m., followed by Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas at 9 p.m. The Mostly Pops Orchestra with John and Mary K. Wilson perform on Wednesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m., followed by the "Bright House Blast" fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

The City of Dunedin Florida will be hosting a FREE concert and fireworks at Knology Park July 3rd beginning at 6:30 PM, fireworks at 9:30 PM.

Gulfport plans family celebration
GULFPORT - On Wednesday, July 4th, the streets of Shore and Beach Boulevards will be filled with fun for the entire family. Beginning at 8 a.m., the kids star spangled fishing derby will take place at the Recreation Center Seawall. The Optimist Club will hold a Sandcastle contest on Gulfport Beach at 10 a.m., and at noon, the children's pageant will begin at the Casino Ballroom. Food, fun, and arts and craft's vendors will line the streets with distinctive wares. Free children's activities will continue on Gulfport Beach from noon to 6 p.m., and live music will be playing on the Casino's outdoor event stage from 4 to 10 p.m. with Johnny and the Rockets. The Parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. along the Beach Boulevard waterfront district. The fireworks display will commence at 9 p.m. The Casino Ballroom is at 5500 Shore Blvd. S. For more information, call 727-893-1067.

Largo celebrates Fourth of July
LARGO - The city hosts a Fourth of July celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. Enjoy music by Largo's 2007 teen idol Courtney Jans, as well as Central Florida's hottest rhythm ‘n' blues, funk, and soul band the Black Honkeys. The event also includes concessions and fireworks display! Bring chairs, blankets and the entire family. Pets, coolers, alcohol or personal fireworks, including sparklers, are not allowed. 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 the special events page at http://www.largo.com/.

Fireworks on the beach
REDINGTON SHORES - The towns of Redington Shores, Indian Shores and North Redington Beach present a Fireworks Extravaganza on the Fourth of July at 9 p.m. at 182nd Avenue and Gulf Boulevard. Call 397-5538.

Fourth of July in Safety Harbor
SAFETY HARBOR - The city of Safety Harbor's July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Display will be held on Wednesday, July 4, 5 to 9 p.m., along Bayshore Boulevard, at the City Marina and on the back lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. Admission to the event is free. The fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. The event also will include live entertainment on a stage located at the end of the Marina near the bay. Local rock and blues bands will perform and 13-year-old Kelly Conley will perform the national anthem right before the fireworks display. Food and beverages will be available for purchase around the event area. Beer and wine will be available with proper identification. There will be games and activities for all ages on the back lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. There will be a nominal fee for some activities. Call 724-1572.

July 4th at The Pier (St. Petersburg) - Enjoy a star-spangled day of events, activities, music, food and fun for the entire family beginning at noon until 9:00 p.m. Clear Channel's Country Station, 103.5FM will bring the talents of recording artists Melissa McGhee (American Idol finalist) and more.

Fourth of July concert
ST. PETERSBURG - The Progress Energy Center for the Arts will host the inaugural Fourth of July Community Band Concert, featuring a performance of patriotic music by FloriMezzo Summer Wind Ensemble, on Wednesday, July 4, outside the Mahaffey Theater on the plaza. Grounds will open at 5 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7. Fireworks will follow the concert. Admission is free. Guests should bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Refreshments will be available. No personal fireworks or pets will be permitted on the site. The Progress Energy Center for the Arts is at 400 First St. S. adjacent to the Mahaffey Theater. Call 892-5767 or visit http://www.mahaffeytheater.com/.

Fireworks display set at Tarpon Springs
TARPON SPRINGS - The city of Tarpon Springs is sponsoring a fourth of July fireworks display at dusk on Independence Day. The best viewing area will be at Fred Howard Park located at 1700 Sunset Drive. The park, beach and causeway will be open for parking to view this event. Parking is limited so come early and enjoy the display. After the park is full to capacity, the gates will be closed for safety concerns. Please observe all the county park rules and regulations during this celebration. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. Due to safety and fire hazard concerns, no fireworks (including sparklers) of any kind will be allowed in the park. Any fireworks brought into the park will be confiscated and those responsible will be asked to leave the park. Fireworks will be launched from the City's Sunset Park Beach on Gulf Road. Due to the use of this location for the launch, Sunset Beach, including the boat ramp facilities, will close at 4 p.m. on July 4. The watercraft area at Howard Park will be closed at the same time Sunset Beach is closing for safety concerns. For more information, call 727-938-3711.

Howard Park will begin closing immediately after the fireworks program.  Please exercise caution when exiting the park.  Pedestrians will be asked to stay off roadways to allow vehicles to exit the park.  PLEASE EXPECT TRAFFIC CONGESTION!  There is only one entry-exit to the park. Spectators are urged to bring any urgent supplies such as water, medicine or special needs supplies.

The City is coordinating the event with the assistance and cooperation of the Pinellas County Parks and Recreation Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

And, for the die-hard couch potato, there's always: Happy 4th of July - Virtual Independence Day Fireworks Displays.

Happy Independence Day!!!