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Flickering skies to draw oohs and aahs

By Times Staff Writers
In print: Friday, July 4, 2008

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Some municipalities have given fireworks the heave-ho. Viewing options for places where the water will be lit up:

Clearwater Celebrates America

Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., (727) 562-4700, myclearwater.com

Music by the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John, Mary K. and Paul Wilson at 7:30 p.m. There will also be craft shows and children's activities. Fireworks at 9:30.

Dolphin Queen Fireworks Cruise

Pier Dolphin Cruises, 800 Second Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 647-1538

Enjoy the downtown St. Petersburg fireworks aboard the 44-foot catamaran. Space is limited, reservations required. Cost is $30, no discounts or coupons apply for this trip.

Downtown St. Petersburg and Pier

North Straub Park, Fifth Avenue NE and Bayshore Drive, (727) 821-6443

Music and family fun. Fireworks off Spa Beach Park at 9.

Gulfport

Waterfront district, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, (727) 893-1067

Activities start at 8 a.m. with a kids fishing derby at the recreation center seawall. Fireworks at 9.

Sparklebration

Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, (352) 567-6678, sparklebration.com

Old-fashioned family celebration with Elvis Presley tribute by Gary Elvis, entertainment by Dennis Lee (8:05 p.m.) and others on indoor and outdoor stages, watermelon, hot dog and apple pie-eating contests, Lowry Park Zoo animal show. Admission: Adults, $3; 10 and younger, free. Parking: $5. Fireworks at 9:15.

SS American Victory

705 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Former wartime cargo carrier, now being restored as museum, has special pricing for self-guided restoration tours and offers a panoramic view of the Channelside fireworks. All-day admission (adults, $10; discount for 12 and under) allows guests to tour ship and return later for fireworks at no extra cost. Visitors boarding after 5 p.m. pay $5. Fireworks at 9.

Sunset and fireworks cruise

Florida Aquarium (Bay Spirit Catamaran) in Tampa, (813) 273-4568

Sunset cruise followed by a return to the channel area for an unobstructed view of the fireworks at Channelside. Also finger foods, beer and wine in air-conditioned comfort or on the deck. Space limited; 48-hour cancellation policy in effect. Leaves at 7 p.m., cost is $50.

Tropical Fourth of July

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-5731

View of community fireworks display along the bayfront at 9. Cookout fare for purchase. Cost is $18 for adults, 12 and younger free; $15 for members.

[Last modified: Jul 04, 2008 07:41 PM]