Fireworks will light up the sky on Thursday night for Independence Day celebrations, but if you are headed out to one of the big shows- there are some things to be aware of.
DOWNTOWN
The fireworks show will begin around 9:45 p.m. and the best viewing locations are the Jacksonville Landing (it is open to use as a viewing area, but no restaurants or stores will be open), Friendship Fountain and parts of the North and South banks. The Acosta and Main St. Bridges will be closing at 9:15 p.m. and will reopen after the completion of the show. Do not try to park on the bridges and watch the shows - Florida Highway Patrol will be monitoring and stopped vehicles will be towed immediately.
JACKSONVILLE BEACH
The fireworks show will be at the Jacksonville Pier at 9 p.m. The pier parking lot will be closed and used as a viewing area. Parking will be tight with street parking and paid parking available, but expect to have to do some walking. Also, look out for bicyclists and pedestrians - especially on 1st and 2nd streets at the beach.
ST. AUGUSTINE
The Fireworks Over the Matanzas will begin at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from the area near the Castillo de San Marcos and Bridge of Lions. The Bridge of Lions will close at 8 p.m. and not reopen until 11 p.m. There will be park-and-ride shuttle pickups at Anastasia Baptist Church, St Augustine Amphitheater and RB Hunt Elementary School. The shuttles will take riders to the Eastside of the Bridge of Lions. Boaters must stay clear of the designated areas starting at 6 p.m. The "No Boat Zone" landmarks on the west shore are the northern property line of the National Park Service and Hypolita Street or mooring ball SM14. The northern zone extends Northeast from the northern property line of the National Park Service to the 3 dolphins in Matanzas Bay. This line then extends South to Marker 5. The southern border extends from Hypolita Street or mooring ball SM14 and extends East to Marker 7. If you are driving, parking in city-owned lots and on-street parking is free on July 4th, but those will likely fill up quickly, so bring money for pay to park lots as well.
CLAY COUNTY- MOOSEHAVEN
The fireworks will begin at 9:20 p.m. Before the fireworks, there will be a celebration featuring food vendors, family activities and music. That will start at 5 p.m. Parking is $5 per car and entry to the event is free.
ST SIMON'S ISLAND
The fireworks will begin at sundown, around 9 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from St Simon's Island Pier. The best seating is Neptune Park, there is free admission and free parking - but expect a lot of people to attend. Before the fireworks, at 2:30 p.m. there will be a golf cart parade at Mallery Park which loops through the pier and back, followed by live music.