The Northbank and Southbank riverwalks will offer some of the best seats in town to view Duval County’s largest Independence Day fireworks display, scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The fireworks will be launched from barges in the St. Johns River near the Hyatt and the Landing.
The July First Wednesday Art Walk from 5-9 p.m. will be the prelude to the pyrotechnics. The July theme is “Americana” and many Downtown venues will be offering art, music and refreshments to celebrate local artists and the 236th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Midtown Deli & Café on Forsyth Street has invited a string quartet to perform.
Northstar the Pizza Bar on East Bay Street will host open mic night beginning at 8:30 p.m., with a short intermission to allow patrons to watch the fireworks.
Olio restaurant on East Bay Street at Churchwell Lofts will exhibit art by Kristen Van-Zant, Robert Adelman and other local artists. The menu for the evening will offer all-American cuisine including smoked ribs, coleslaw, jalapeno cornbread and apple pie for dessert.
Streets closed July 4
The City has announced the street and bridge closures for the fireworks display:
Hogan Street from Water Street to the St. Johns River is closed through 2 a.m. Thursday.
Sister Cities from Hogan Street to the cul-de-sac and Independent Drive from Hogan Street to Laura Street will be closed at 7 a.m. Wednesday and remain closed through 2 a.m. Thursday.
Coastline Drive from the Landing to Newnan Street is closed until 2 a.m. Thursday.
Both the Main Street Bridge and Acosta Bridge will be closed during the fireworks show and will reopen immediately after.
Where to park
The following City parking facilities will be open from 5-10 p.m. Wednesday with rates between $5 and $10. Vehicles will be able to exit after 10 p.m.
• West Lot, 300 Courthouse Drive.
• Water Street Garage, 541 Water St.
• Bay & Ocean, 112 E. Bay St.
• Forsyth Lot, corner of Main and Forsyth streets.
• Yates Garage, 200 E. Adams St.
Street parking is free all day because July 4 is a national holiday and all City offices are closed.
Public transportation
The JTA trolley (including the Riverside trolley) will not be available.
The free Skyway system will be open from 5 p.m.-midnight Wednesday.
The S.S. Marine Taxi also will be available 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information, visit downtownjacksonville.org and makeascenedowntown.com.
@DRMaxDowntown
356-2466