How can you celebrate this Fourth of July? You might have to watch fireworks on a screen
Many South Florida cities have canceled their Fourth of July fireworks shows as a safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and to help out budgets.
At the same time, fireworks have been going off in cities across the U.S. weeks ahead of Independence Day, The Associated Press reports. Speculation is that these early shows are part of protests against police brutality or people blowing off steam following lockdowns.
In Miami-Dade, all beaches will be closed and most parades canceled by order of Mayor Carlos Gimenez. Broward County followed, closing beaches, parks and parades to avoid large crowds or gatherings during the Fourth of July weekend. Monroe County did the same, with July 1 marking one month since the Keys reopened to tourists.
Some municipalities are still hosting fireworks shows and Independence Day parades either remotely or with social distancing. Here are some in Miami-Dade, Broward and the Keys:
Miami-Dade County
▪ Hialeah is hosting a virtual fireworks display sponsored by Cano Health at 9 p.m. on its social media accounts.
▪ Miami Lakes will hosting its 16th annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. The fireworks will be launched from Graham Dairy Lake and Miami Lakes Optimist Park for people to view from their homes. The shows will also be livestreamed.
▪ Miami Beach will have a home decorating contest, a sidewalk art contest and a virtual fireworks show with music by the New World Symphony at 9 p.m.
Florida Keys
All Keys cities canceled their parades and fireworks shows. The last remaining fireworks show in Monroe County was canceled Wednesday by Marathon city leaders in an emergency meeting called to discuss the issue.
Broward County
▪ Fort Lauderdale is hosting four fireworks shows for residents to watch from their homes at 9 p.m. They will be at Holiday Park, City Hall, Carter Park and the Beach Community Center, but these areas will not be open to spectators.
The shows will also be broadcast on TV, YouTube and FLTV.
▪ Coral Springs is hosting a parade from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with decorated city vehicles driving through the communities. The parade will be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook, YouTube and CityTV.
▪ Pompano Beach will have a fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. to be viewed from residents’ homes. The show will also be livestreamed.
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 11:05 AM.