Independence Day is a federal holiday to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
It also is a day thousands of people make Downtown their destination for food, entertainment and fireworks.
Live music begins at 4 p.m. at the Landing with six bands on the schedule until 1:30 a.m. Food and drink specials will be offered at the riverfront mall’s restaurants and nightclubs.
Entrance to the Landing is limited to those 21 years of age or older or accompanied by a parent.
The City’s fireworks display is scheduled to start at 9:45 p.m. above the St. Johns River.
Downtown’s hotels along the Northbank and Southbank have hundreds of river-view rooms.
The Hyatt is offering a special rate for a river-view room Thursday and the hotel’s party deck will be open for guests to watch the fireworks.
The Omni has planned a barbecue and pool party 8-11 p.m. with a roasted pig, hamburgers, hot dogs and drink specials.
Hogan Street from Water Street to the St. Johns River, Coastline Drive from the Landing to Newnan Street and Sisters Cities Road from Hogan Street to the cul-de-sac will be closed 7 a.m. Thursday-2 a.m. Friday.
Independent Drive from Hogan Street to Laura Street will be closed 9 a.m. Thursday-2 a.m. Friday.
The Main Street and Acosta bridges will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic from the start of the fireworks show until it is clear.
The SS Marine Taxi will operate 11 a.m.-11 p.m. to ferry visitors between the Landing and Municipal Marina on the Northbank to Friendship Park and the Crowne Plaza and Wyndham hotels on the Southbank.
The Skyway, Downtown’s free people-mover, will operate 5-11 p.m. Thursday.
Since Thursday is a holiday, parking on the street at a meter is free. If all spots are taken, City parking lots and garages will be open 5-10 p.m.
For more details, visit jacksonvillelanding.com or makeascenedowntown.com.
(904) 356-2466
Facebook.com/jaxdailyrecord