We are just days away from celebrating our Independence Day!

First Coast News wants to make sure you know where all the big, star-spangled shows are!

There is the American Pie 4th of July celebration in Orange Park.  It will be in Moosehaven starting at 11 a.m.  There will be a parade at 2 p.m. and fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm.

St. Augustine is prepping for thousands of people on the 4th. The fireworks will be shooting off over the Matanzas Bay around 9:30 p.m.  With so many people coming into the city, make sure you get there early so you can find a place to park!  The parking garage downtown will be open, but it will cost $10.  Street parking is free.  There will be music and vendors in the nation's oldest city before the fireworks show.

Fernandina Beach is also having fireworks! The local businesses raised enough money in just 10 days to make sure it happens again this year. The show will start at 9:30 p.m. on the waterfront downtown.

The City of Jacksonville's fireworks will start at 9:45 p.m. on the riverfront. The fireworks will be shot off of two barges on the St. John's.   You can watch it from a boat, but no anchoring between the Main and Acosta bridges and no anchoring west of the school board building to the Main Street Bridge.  If you want to avoid the parking hassle don't forget the JTA skyway will be running!

Here are some fireworks safety tips from Jacksonville's Firefighters:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of a fireworks injury for 10-14 year olds is twice as high as the general population.  After the fireworks display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be hot and active.

 

Safety Tips

1) Use fireworks outdoors only.

 

2) Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use

them.

 

3) Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

 

4) Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine

them.

 

5) Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a

bucket of water.

 

6) Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

 

7) Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."

 

8) Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

 

9) Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They

can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in

your community.

First Coast News