JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Thousands of sun-seekers flocked to Jacksonville Beach on Friday, transforming the shoreline into a sea of red, white and blue ahead of the evening’s fireworks display.
“Jacksonville always knows how to come together,” beachgoer Diaje Thompson said.
The annual Fourth of July gathering has become a cherished tradition for many local residents and visitors. Families and friends claimed their spots on the sand early, prepared for a full day of celebration leading up to the 9 p.m. fireworks show.
For some attendees, like Theresa Rose, the day held deeper meaning beyond the festivities.
“It’s a blessing that we can come,” she said. “It’s a blessing that you feel safe and comfortable. It’s a blessing to have this freedom.”
But the beach celebration drew visitors from throughout the Southeast. Laurel and Landin Baker traveled from Savannah to join the festivities.
“We just wanted to get out and go celebrate in Florida—who doesn’t love Florida,” Landin shared.
Anita and Rivka are regular attendees who make the celebration an annual tradition. They said the people at the beach make it worth coming back to each year.
“The people here are really good. Vibes are very chill, and the people make it the best,” Rivka said.
And with the holiday landing on a Friday, it makes for an extended weekend. Those who were able to get time off said it’s time to celebrate.
“We work in the service industry, so we don’t get these days off,” Diaje Thompson said. “We took the day off and we are about to take advantage.”
Throughout the day, visitors camped out in anticipation of the fireworks on the pier. Kites were flying in the sky. Patriotic umbrellas were staked across the sand. And kids rode the waves.
Brandon Wilson, visiting from Macon, Georgia, said that the atmosphere is what attracted so many to the celebration. “We’re just enjoying the beautiful weather,” he said.
The day’s festivities will culminate with the annual fireworks display, scheduled to light up the sky over the beach at 9 p.m.
