Florida Independence Day 2008

The Fourth of July or Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence (from the colonial rule of Great Britain) on July 4, 1776.

Many Americans will fly the American flag outside their homes to commemorate Independence Day and it is one of the busiest times of year at the theme parks; many of them have extended opening hours.

No matter where you are in Florida, you will find local Independence Day celebrations both by day and at night

Walt Disney World

There are no special events at Disney's Animal Kingdom but the other parks all have special events planned.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios there is a special Fourth of July Fireworks at 9:00 pm and the Fantasmic! show will be on at 10:30 pm as a grand finale to the evening.

At Epcot, there is the "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" firework and laser show at 10:00 pm with a special holiday inspired finale. During the day, the American Pavilion features tales from historic characters. On July 4, the "Sounds Like Summer Concert Series" features Bjorn Again (A Tribute to ABBA).

The Magic Kingdom will be open until 1:00 am and is putting on a special show entitled "Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" at 9:00 pm. There will also be two performances of the "SpectroMagic" nighttime parade, the first at 10:30 pm and the second at 12:30 am.

Universal Studios

There will be three simultaneous firework displays at Universal Studios, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk starting just before 10:00 pm. Preferred viewing tickets for the fireworks are available at $10 per person.

There is a special 4th of July Party at Jimmy Buffett's® Margaritaville® where you will be able to see the best of the fireworks.. The $100 per head party includes a cocktail buffet including signature Buffett dishes such as Jamaica Mistaica Wings and Jimmy Crab Cakes, carved meats, vegetables, fruit, cheese, desserts and coffee and a three-hour premium open bar. When you arrive you will receive a welcome Lei and Margarita served in a souvenir glass.

Most of the Universal CityWalk nightclubs will have special entertainment for the evening, cover charges apply.

Pleasure Island

At Downtown Disney Pleasure Island there is a "Fourth of July Blast" party and late night fireworks show starting at 10:30 pm.

North Florida

One of the East coast's largest fireworks shows takes place over the Castillo de San Marcos fort in St. Augustine at 9:30 pm; preceded by the All Star Orchestra in St. Augustine's Plaza de la Constritucion.

In Jacksonville, there is a 4th of July Liberty Celebration fireworks display from the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier starting at 9:30 pm and the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront are hosting celebrations with the Palm Court Society Orchestra. In the afternoon there is a free concert at the Metropolitan Park featuring John Rich with special guest Cowboy Troy, Joe Nichols and The Road Hammers.

At Central Park in Fernandina Beach there is Fernandina's July 4th & Families Festival with a parade, concert and fireworks, starting at 7:30 pm.

Over on the Panhandle, there is an Independence Day Celebration at Destin whilst a bit further south, there is Celebrate America at Weeki Wachee Springs with a fireworks display at dusk.

Central Florida

Throughout the whole of Central Florida you will find 4th of July celebrations including the all day Lakefest Celebration in St. Cloud, a special Independence Day Carillon Concert at Bok Tower and Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebrations in Downtown Mount Dora, Kissimmee and Winter Park.

At Cypress Gardens there is Celebrate America with a special night time Ski Show and concert whilst at Silver Springs they are featuring a concert with American Idols finalists Robbie Carrico and Bo Bice.

Busch Gardens have a Chubby Checker and The Wildcats concert in Gwazi Park followed by fireworks, starting at 8:15 pm.

On the west coast, there are firework displays in Tampa by the Florida Aquarium, at Coachman Park in Clearwater with a concert and a fireworks display.

On the Pier in St. Petersburg entertainment runs all afternoon and evening with a variety of entertainers culminating in a fireworks display in Spa Beach Park whilst on Sanibel Island there is a parade and fireworks display.

Over on the east coast, they are celebrating off the Main Street Pier in Daytona Beach and at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

South Florida

There are lots of celebrations in the Miami area including the Fabulous Fourth at Delray Beach with activities all day ending in a firework display, the City of South Miami Fourth of July party at Palmer Park, the Fourth of July Celebration at Miami Beach featuring music by DJ Irie and a picnic with the Old Fashioned July Fourth at the Barnacle.

The largest display is the all day Mega Fest at Bayfront Park with Latin American and Reggae acts plus fireworks and in Key Biscayne there is a parade and fireworks.

In the Keys, there is Cay Clubs 4th of July Fireworks over Blackwater Sound, the Village of Islands Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, Islamorada and fireworks in Key West at White Street Pier.

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