In case you hadn’t noticed, the Fourth of July has basically been canceled.
Florida municipalities from coast to coast have shut down their annual fireworks spectacles and other events. At press time, Crystal River and Homosassa were among the very few places still confirming that the rockets’ red glare will be going off as planned.
What You Need To Know
- Most municipal fireworks displays are canceled
- There are plenty of entertainment options available, even in isolation
Tampa Bay’s Temple Terrace was among the most recent holdouts to cancel its fireworks.
“It’s been a tradition for almost 50 years in this city to have a parade and fireworks,” says Temple Terrace Marketing and Communications Officer Laurie Hayes. “We held out for as long as we could, but finally at the June 2 city council meeting we decided to cancel, just out of concern, to keep our residents and staff safe.”
Hayes says the city isn’t abandoning a recognition of the Fourth, however.
“We wanted to give people a way to celebrate anyway, so we teamed up once again with our Temple Terrace Arts Council, and we’re holding a yard decorating contest for both businesses and residents,” she says. “People can pre-register, there’s both a daytime and a nighttime category so if people want to go all out with lights that would be great, we’re going to have prizes, and we’re looking at it as kind of a reverse parade, because once we get all the addresses of the people who are participating, people can drive around and see the yards rather than the other way around.”
More information on the contest is available at both the Temple Terrace website and the city’s Facebook page.
In the face of much less to do on the Fourth, which falls on a Saturday this year, residents are taking things into their own hands as far as fireworks are concerned. While Florida’s convoluted laws regarding fireworks only allow the use of “non-aerial and non-explosive” novelties (sparklers, fountains, etc.) by individuals, local consumers are stepping up their purchases of whatever incendiary toys they can get their hands on.
“It’s been a little more busy,” says Nick Ruiz, manager at Tampa’s Phantom Fireworks. “We’ve definitely seen an uptick.”
Jessica Perkins, who works as an independent contractor for the chain Galaxy Fireworks, offers a qualified agreement.
“A little bit, but not much,” she says. “It doesn’t usually get busy until the actual Fourth, it’s that way every year, it’s like Black Friday.”
If you’re looking to do something over the holiday weekend that doesn’t involve fireworks, or involves something including fireworks, there aren’t a lot of publicly-sanctioned options. But we do have some suggestions for celebrating the Fourth that might make it seem like something other than just another weekend in Coronaville.
HOST A MOVIE MARATHON
If you’re tired of sitting in front of the small screen watching Netflix and the heat isn’t too oppressive once the sun goes down, throw a few of your favorite flicks up against a sheet or a wall outside. Digital projectors are plentiful and affordable these days—it’s easy to recreate a theater experience for the family or a very few socially distanced friends with some microwave popcorn and a night “out.”
GRILLING IS THRILLING
The Fourth of July is THE grilling holiday. You may not be willing or able to get the whole neighborhood together for a block party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend some time out in the yard with a few cold beverages and a hot grill.
DRINK LOCAL BEER
Speaking of cold beverages, there are plenty of craft breweries in the Bay area making their beers available outside of the taproom. The lighter, crisper summer brews are once again making an appearance—try something you haven’t tasted before, and find a new favorite, responsibly.
- 3 Daughters Brewing’s Hazy Amarillo Blonde
- Tampa Bay Brewing Company’s Last Days of Summer
- If I Brewed The World’s Shandy Baby, Yeah!
POOL PARTY, WHAT A COOL PARTY
Could there be a better time for relaxing in the water without wagering your health on a trip to the beach? Grab an inflatable or above-ground setup online and pretend you’re rich in kitschy cool. The little umbrella in the cocktail is optional, but recommended.
HIT THE PARK ON A LARK
While certain state parks remain crowded, there are plenty of lesser-known or out-of-the-way recreational areas where you can remain socially distanced and enjoy a whole lot of Florida nature. Hit up the Florida State Parks website to find somewhere a little off the beaten path.
