It's America's Birthday! Entertainment, Food, Fireworks and Fun Across South Florida This 4th of July

Now that the Pandemic Infection rate is coming down Fourth of July events and firework displays are being planned throughout South Florida. This years displays above the water and over land will amaze the senses with a stunning array of colors and explosions in the sky, certainly a stirring reflection of what our country stands for and a great way to to celebrate the day. Traditionally there are many small celebrations throughout the community, many starting in the morning and early afternoon with family activities, beach games, live music and parades. Many cities who cancelled events in the past due to COVID-19 are planning events this year. So get your BBQ gear ready and rally family and friends for a full day of fun. Here is a rundown of local family friendly July 4th Celebrations in Hollywood, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, North Miami and a more eco friendly holiday at the Deering Estate to help you celebrate America's 246th birthday.

Hollywood Beach
All are welcome to celebrate our nation’s 246th birthday on Hollywood Beach on Monday, July 4th at the annual Star-Spangled Spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Sponsored by the City of Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts and the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency-Beach District, this annual event will feature entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. and offshore fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m.

Event schedule at the Hollywood Beach Theater:
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
7:00 p.m. Official Welcome
9:00 p.m. Offshore fireworks display

Traffic and Parking Information
Due to anticipated heavy holiday traffic, the closure of the Sheridan Street Bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway and no public shuttle service, access to the barrier island will be limited. The Hollywood Police Department will be monitoring parking and beach capacity in an effort to maintain a safe environment for all. Once capacity is reached, motorists will be directed to seek an alternative.

Sun Shuttle
The Hollywood Sun Shuttle, operated by Circuit, is an environmentally-friendly, electric public transportation option that transports riders through service areas from City Hall Circle to downtown Hollywood, Hollywood Beach and along Federal Highway. An App requested ride is $1.00 per fare. A flag-down ride is free. Flag-down riders can and hop on and off along the route the driver is already going for the paid App requested ride. The Sun Shuttle will be operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4th. Download the free “Ride Circuit” App from the App Store or Google Play. Riders should expect heavy traffic and lengthy service delays. Service routes may be altered due to traffic congestion.

Ride Share
Uber and Lyft drivers may drop-off and pick-up passengers at the designated ride share spot on Tyler Street between A1A and Surf Road. Riders should expect heavy traffic delays.

Sheridan Street Remains Closed
Access to and from the barrier island at Sheridan Street is closed. Detours are in place to direct motorists and pedestrians to Dania Beach Boulevard or Hollywood Boulevard.

Ocean Drive
From 11a.m. to midnight (12 a.m.), the Hollywood Police Department will restrict southbound traffic between Sheridan Street and Hollywood Boulevard to one lane. Northbound traffic will be directed to exit at Dania Beach Boulevard. Broward County Transit will travel northbound only during this timeframe. From 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m., no eastbound traffic will be permitted onto the barrier island via Dania Beach Boulevard. During this time, all lanes on Ocean Drive between Sheridan Street and Dania Beach Boulevard will be directed to travel northbound in an effort to assist motorist in exiting the barrier island.

Hollywood Boulevard
From 11:00 a.m. until midnight (12:00 a.m.) no westbound traffic will be permitted to exit the barrier island via Hollywood Beach Boulevard. Eastbound traffic will be directed north to Dania Beach Boulevard or south to Hallandale Beach Boulevard up until 8:00 p.m. From 8:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. all eastbound traffic from Hollywood Boulevard to Ocean Drive will be directed southbound only.

Hallandale Beach Boulevard
From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. all northbound traffic on Ocean Drive will be directed to Dania Beach Boulevard.

Dania Beach Boulevard
From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., access to the barrier island will be closed. All eastbound traffic will be U-Turned and directed back westbound on Dania Beach Boulevard.

Parking
Public parking is available at the City-operated parking garages on the barrier island on a first come, first served basis. The Garfield Parking Garage, 300 Connecticut Street, and the Nebraska Parking Garage, 327 Nebraska Street are expected to reach capacity quickly, very early in the day. The SPECIAL EVENT FLAT RATE of $30 applies. Standard parking rates only apply at City-operated parking garages in downtown Hollywood at the Radius Garage, 250 N 19th Avenue and Van Buren Garage at 251 S 20th Avenue.

Parking is also available at the following locations on Hollywood Beach: Hollywood Beach Garage at A1A and Hollywood Boulevard; North Beach Park at Sheridan Street and A1A (must enter before sundown),; Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort at A1A and Johnson Street; Keating Park at 2400 S. Ocean Drive/301 Magnolia Terrace; the Dunewalk/Summit Lot at 1200 S. Ocean Drive and the Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood at 3555 S. Ocean Drive. Special event rates may vary.

If you choose to park on private property or on a private surface parking lot:
• Please be sure to follow their rules exactly to avoid being booted
• Pay their parking attendant or meter, NOT the City meter
• Do not be late in feeding their meter, even by a second, or you could find your vehicle booted

Marine Information
Intracoastal Waterway bridges will maintain their regular schedules throughout the day and early evening, but from 8:00 p.m. to midnight bridges at Dania Beach Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard will remain in the down position to allow vehicular traffic to enter and exit the beach. The Sheridan Street bridge is closed to motorists and pedestrians at this time, and Marine traffic is limited.

Sheridan Street Bridge Temporary Schedule:
Daily, between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.: One side of the bridge will open on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour. Boaters needing a full opening should provide 4-hour advance notice.

Sunday-Fridays, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.: The bridge will be closed. Boaters needing a full opening should provide 24-hour advance notice. Full openings are available only between midnight and 1 a.m.

Friday-Sunday, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.: Single-leaf openings will be provided on the quarter and three-quarter hour. A full opening will not be provided during this time.

The vertical clearance across both spans will be reduced by 5-feet for the installation of a containment system for the duration of the project.

Make It A Safe Holiday
Alcoholic beverages, fireworks of all types, sparklers, glass, single-use plastic and foam items, coolers larger than 36” long and barbecue grills are prohibited and could be confiscated. Picnicking is permitted on the sandy beach only between Sherman and Custer streets as well as within Charnow Park at Garfield Street, Keating Park at Magnolia Terrace, and Harry Berry Park at Azalea Terrace. Canopies larger than 10’ X 10’ are prohibited.

To help keep Hollywood Beach beautiful, visitors are reminded to bring reusable items and clean up after themselves at the end of the day. Please do not over-fill trash receptacles. As a reminder, Hollywood Beach is plastic and foam-free. Single-use plastics, foam containers, plastic bags, bottles and utensils are prohibited on Hollywood Beach, at City-operated parks and other City facilities.

It is prime nesting season for several protected species of sea turtles. Turtle nesting activity is normal and should not be considered an emergency. If you plan to stake out a spot on the sand to watch the fireworks, please remember the nesting habits of sea turtles can be impacted by light sources, including flashlights. If you do encounter a sea turtle or sea turtle nest, do not disturb it. Knowingly interfering with a sea turtle nest could result in civil or even criminal penalties and fines.

All boaters are advised to travel at safe speeds and to watch for threatened or endangered species including manatees and sea turtles. Any collisions with or injuries to sea turtles, manatees or other protected species must be reported to Sea Turtle Emergency Line (24 hours) at 954.328.0580 and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1.888.404.FWCC. Spectator boats are not allowed to anchor on or above sea grass, hard bottom or coral reef structures and could face fines or criminal penalties for doing so. This is a condition of the event permit from the U.S. Coast Guard. Boaters also must remain at least 1,400 feet from the fireworks barge. The Hollywood Police Department Marine Unit will be on hand to assure boaters follow these regulations.

Public restrooms are located at the Nebraska Street Parking Garage and at Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson, Garfield, Taft, and Missouri Streets on the Broadwalk for your convenience.

For additional event information, contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at 954.921.3404.

Freedom Fest at Gulfstream Park
It’s time to put on the red, white and blue! Gulfstream Park will host its Freedom Fest on Monday, July 4, from 6-10 p.m. The celebration will feature an array of entertainment including family activities, music, food and a trackside fireworks show. In the evening, food options will be available for purchase including burgers and other tempting treats from Derby Grill, Silks Provisions and a BBQ pop-up. A DJ at the Breezeway Bar will be spinning all the popular favorites alongside performances from stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers and more. Guests who would like a private/group setting can reserve a third-floor suite suitable for parties of 8-12 overlooking all the fun. For additional thrills, the Casino featuring 600 Vegas-style slots will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 a.m. Visit the Carousel Club from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m. for some imaginative cocktails, chic décor and an antique carousel bar at its center!

The line-up of Freedom Fest activities include:
The BBQ 5:30 – 10 p.m. - Guests can enjoy an elevated view of the fireworks show, BBQ buffet with brisket, burgers and more for $35 per person at Ten Palms.

The Party 6 – 10 p.m. - The celebration kicks off with a DJ at Breezeway Bar, stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers and more. Food is available for purchase from Derby Grill, Silks Provisions and a BBQ pop-up.

Fireworks Show 9 p.m. - Gulfstream Park will host a spectacular fireworks display. The best areas to view the show are on the trackside apron and grandstand seating area.

The event is FREE to enter but the BBQ is $35 a person, Food and drink are at guest’s discretion. The Carousel Club is located at Gulfstream Park 901 S. Federal Hwy. Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. To reserve a suite, please contact: ray.briels@gulfstreampark.com. For more information about Freedom Fest, please visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/event/entertainment/july4

Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit www.gulfstreampark.com or call 954-454-7000.

Miramar Celebration
Celebrate the Nation's Independence in the City of Miramar on Monday, July 4th at Miramar Regional Park from 7 - 9 p.m., 16801 Miramar Parkway in Miramar, FL 33027. Enjoy DJ music, food trucks and novelty vendors, along within a kids zone while you await a spectacular fireworks show. For additional information about the events planned, please call 954-602-3319.

Pembroke Pines
Join fellow South Floridians for one of the most beautiful fire works displays in the area, the Pembroke Pines Annual July 4th Independence Day Celebration at Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Blvd. Enjoy food, live music and of course, the fireworks display! The event is FREE. There will be food trucks, rides, arts & crafts, music and what could be more American than a pie eating contest. Activities will be from 6-9pm, with the fireworks display happening precisely at 9pm. No cooler or pets are permitted but with all the loud noises it's probably best to keep the pooches home anyway. For more information about the event you can call 954-392-2116.

North Miami
The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA) is offering alternative to a beach bar-b-que. How about discovering some of the most important works of art in America's history or reading “Apple Pie 4th of July”. If these peak your interest then MOCA may be just the place for you.

MOCA miniMakers: Independence Day - Saturday, July 2, 2 – 4 p.m.
Join MOCA North Miami as it celebrates America’s Independence Day by discovering some of the most important works of art in America's history. After the presentation participants will create wearable accessories. MOCA miniMakers is MOCA’s free and inclusive series of art workshops for children ages 6 and up. Children will have access to a variety of art techniques, as well as an inclusive curriculum incorporating step-by-step guides, STEAM activation and creative free play. Taught by experienced artists and sponsored by the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency, MOCA miniMakers aims to foster an accessible spirit of learning through the arts.

To RSVP for this Free event or for more information, please visit: https://111401.blackbaudhosting.com/111401/packagetickets?tab=3&txobjid=4e23cefb-d39d-4fde-bdfc-c9f03ea09371%C2%A0

Sunday Stories: Independence Day – “Apple Pie 4th of July” by Janet S. Wong | Sunday, July 3, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Join MOCA on the first Sunday of every month for MOCA Sunday Stories, followed by a DIY early childhood art project. Celebrate America’s Independence Day with MOCA as they read “Apple Pie 4th of July” by Janet S. Wong. Shocked that her parents are cooking Chinese food to sell in the family store on an all-American holiday, a feisty Chinese American girl tries to tell her mother and father how things really are. But as the parade passes by and fireworks light the sky, she learns a surprising lesson. After the reading, participants may create their own fireworks head crown to take home.
Sponsored by the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency, this early childhood art series engages toddlers and fosters reading, motor skill development and socialization. MOCA Sunday Stories is a great way for children to bond with their parents or guardians as they create together.

To RSVP for this Free event or for more information, please visit: https://111401.blackbaudhosting.com/111401/packagetickets?tab=3&txobjid=932f563f-2481-4692-a197-52be03f4cfa3

Deering Estate
If you don't mind a little drive and would like to experience a bit of 'Old Miami' then the Deering Estate could be just the holiday experience you are looking for.

Located south of Miami, the Deering Estate was the home from 1922 to 1927 of Charles Deering, the wealthy industrialist who was chairman of International Harvester. His half-brother, millionaire industrialist James Deering, built Vizcaya, the Mediterranean palace and gardens also overlooking Biscayne Bay, which is far better known as a Miami landmark.

The Deering Estate preserves the 1920s era Miami estate of Charles Deering, Chicago industrialist, early preservationist, environmentalist, art collector, and philanthropist. Nestled along the coast in South Dade, the Deering Estate is a cultural asset and historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's certainly a perfect destination for tourists and local residents to see some of the natural ecosystems and native plants of South Florida. So in celebration of America's Birthday the Deering Estate is offering $5 Admission: 4th of July Weekend (Saturday, Sunday, Monday).

You'll be able to enjoy wildlife viewing, bay vistas and self-guided access of the museums. You'll have the option to kayak the waters of Biscayne Bay with your friends, host a Sunrise Photography session for you and your family, or hike through the endangered ecosystems of South Florida with a naturalist to experience Miami in a whole new way! They have several packages to choose from, with almost 450 acres of land, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

If history and nature intrigue you then plan a visit to the estate, you'll see South Florida in a different light. For more information you can visit: https://deeringestate.org/plan-your-visit/