Northeast Florida plans Fourth of July celebrations

Many readers will celebrate this Independence Day at St. Augustine’s Fireworks Over the Matanzas, but communities across Northeast Florida will be having their own fireworks shows and other festivities.

JACKSONVILLE

It will be an unforgettable evening of live music, local art, great food and what organizers say will be the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in Jacksonville history. The fun will run from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Riverfront Plaza downtown.

There will be face painting and balloon animals, a visit from the River City Readers Bookmobile, a student art exhibit featuring work from JAMS students and food and beverages for purchase.

Here’s the evening’s schedule of events:

• 4:30 p.m. Live performance by Sal Gonzalez

• 5:15 p.m. Live performance by Tobacco Rd

• 7:10 p.m. Live performance by Bold City Classics

• 8:45 p.m. Remarks from Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Wounded Warrior Project CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter E Piatt and City Council President Nick Howland

• 8:55 p.m. National Anthem performed by Lane Pittman

Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Enjoy the show from both the north and south banks of the river.

Public and private parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is a good idea to get there early. On-street metered parking will be free.

Here are some parking options:

Northbank:

• Water Street Garage, 541 Water St.

• Annex Garage, 21 E Bay St.

• Jax Center Garage, 1 W. Bay St.

• Yates Garage, 200 E Adams St.

• VyStar Forsyth Garage, 26 W. Forsyth St.

• Chamber Lot Parking, 59 E. Bay St.

Southbank:

• DCPS Parking Lot, 1701 Prudential Drive

• Kings Ave Station, 1301 King Ave.

It’s important to keep in mind that there will be road closures during certain times. Here’s a list of closures:

• Closure of West Independent Drive from Hogan Street to Laura Street – 7-11 p.m.

• Closure of Acosta Bridge northbound emergency lane and sidewalk only – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Closure of all northbound lanes and sidewalk on the Acosta Bridge – 8:45 to 9:45 p.m.

• Closure of the Main Street Bridge southbound exterior lane and adjacent sidewalk – 2 to 10:15 p.m.

• Closure of the Main Street Bridge northbound exterior lane and adjacent sidewalk – 2 to 10:15 p.m.

• Full closure of Main Street Bridge, all lanes and sidewalks – 8:30 to 10:15 p.m.

FERNANDINA BEACH

Light Up Amelia, the City of Fernandina Beach and Florida Public Utilities will present the Hometown 4th of July Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. over Waterfront Park downtown.

The fun starts at 6 p.m. with DJ amplified music, food trucks and commercial vendors.

PALATKA

The fun runs from 4 to 9:30 p.m. along the Palatka riverfront.

The free, family-friendly event will include live music, food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone, face painting, puppet shows by the Pilot Club of Palatka and a performance from the Azalea City Children’s Chorus at 4:30 p.m.

The annual boat parade begins at 8:40 p.m. Fireworks light up the sky over the St. Johns River at 9:30 p.m.

The St. Johns River Center will host a Rooftop 4th of July VIP Celebration from 8 to 10 p.m. July 4, offering guests a great view of the boat parade and the fireworks. There will be patriotic music, a gourmet popcorn bar, a glow-stick party zone for kids and a patriotic photo booth. Tickets for this event at 102 N. First St. are $10. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-johns-river-center-rooftop-celebration-4th-of-july-vip-experience-tickets-1991157244920?aff=oddtdtcreator

ATLANTIC BEACH

Join the City of Atlantic Beach for America’s 250th Anniversary and the City’s Centennial with family-friendly fun and patriotic spirit!

The celebration will feature an America 250 ceremony, live music by Kalani Rose, an exciting luau show, delicious food trucks, face painting, juggling and a fun photo booth to capture the memories.

Bring your family and friends and celebrate this historic milestone with the community.

Here’s the schedule:

• 10 a.m. Activities begin

• 10:30 a.m. America 250 Program

• 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Music by Kalani Rose

• 1:15 to 2 p.m. Luau show

• 2-2:15 p.m. Pictures with Kalani Rose

Note: Timeline subject to change.