Honoring Americaโs pastime in the present: Historic Springfield hosts โThrowback Baseball Gameโ on Fourth of July
Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council hosts 16th old timers baseball game at Klutho Park. Springfield residents compete in the family friendly event, which residents say is one of the most popular community events of the year.
I-TEAM: Accused parade shooter seen as โclear and present dangerโ but allowed to buy weapons
On Wednesday, new information revealed that police previously had made contact with the 21-year-old man accused in the attack at a 4th of July parade in Illinois and even considered him a โclear and present danger.โ
Marine units keep boaters safe during holiday with Operation Dry Water
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. The Nassau County Sheriffs Office took News4Jax along Saturday for a routine patrol thats part of Operation Dry Water, a year-round campaign that cracks down people who boat under the influence. Ken Clements, a detective with the Nassau County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit, noted that the Amelia River was busy for Independence Day. Nassau County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit personnel take part in Operation Dry Water during the Fourth of July holiday. According to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, 736 total agencies and 7,696 officers participated in Operation Dry Water in 2019. They are going to cut it up into whatever size they can handle and remove it, Clements said.
4th of July Fireworks over Jacksonville, Florida
Red, White and Boom: Choose Your ViewWhile watching Channel 4's Independence Day broadcast from 8-10 p.m. Saturday, enjoy this second-screen experience from News4Jax. If you are away from your TV, listen to the program on our iHeart radio partner, 97.9 KISS FM, while choosing your view from some of our live cameras.
To promote social distancing, city to launch 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots
Instead of one giant fireworks display drawing thousands of people to line the St. Johns River downtown, the city will launch fireworks from six different spots across the River City to keep people spread out and socially distanced. The goal is to spread out the crowds with multiple locations around the city, making social distancing possible. The city of Jacksonville will launch fireworks from six locations this 4th of July. At Friendship Fountain on the Southbank, there were a few social distancing signs, but no markers or vendor setups like in years past. At Normandy/Lem Merrett Park, there was not a sign or social distancing circle in sight.
How to watch the Independance Day lunar eclipse
According to NASA, This full moon (the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Mead Mood, Rose Moon, Guru Moon, etc) also comes with a partial penumbral lunar eclipse. The Moon will appear full for about three days around the eclipse, from Friday evening into Monday morning, making this a full Moon weekend. The Moon will be close enough to opposite the Sun that its northern edge will pass through the partial shadow of the Earth called a partial penumbral eclipse. Its likely that watching the full moon rise would be more enjoyable, especially from the beach. In Jacksonville, the moon rise will be at 8:23p.m.
How to watch the Independence Day lunar eclipse
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. This weekend you may be enjoying fireworks in celebration of Independence Day, but dont miss the show from Mother Nature. According to NASA, this full moon (the Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, Mead Mood, Rose Moon, Guru Moon, etc.) also comes with a partial penumbral lunar eclipse. The Moon will appear full for about three days around the eclipse, from Friday evening into Monday morning, making this a full Moon weekend. Its likely that watching the full moon rise would be more enjoyable, especially from the beach.
How beaches businesses are preparing for a socially distant holiday weekend
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. Fourth of July plans may be different this year in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite there not being any fireworks at the beaches this year, businesses are still expecting a good crowd. News4Jax spoke with some people who are choosing to stay home while others plan to practice social distancing at Jacksonvilles beaches. They already had their trip planned despite South Florida beaches being shutdown, but theyre glad they have more freedom staying in Atlantic Beach. Employees at Ragtime Tavern said theyre still expecting a good crowd despite COVID-19 regulations.
4th of July safety: Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries in the U.S. associated with sparklers in 2019. Jimmy Patronis, the state fire marshal, released these fireworks safety guidelines. Beware of allowing young children to play with sparklers โ Fireworks or sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1200 degrees, which can cause third degree burns. Consider attending a professional fireworks show โ The best opportunity to protect yourself and your family from fireworks injuries is to let a trained professional handle the fireworks. Professional fireworks shows may be impacted by COVID-19 guidelines.
From big cities to backyards, July 4 not usual blowout bash
The fireworks were not announced until an hour or so before to avoid attracting large crowds during the coronavirus pandemic. This is traditionally a weekend for gathering in large groups for historic ceremonies and social events, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said. The Fourth of July remains a party, though Americas 244th birthday wont be the usual blowout bash. Fireworks will still crackle over the National Mall in Washington and other places, though with fewer people packed together watching them. But whether its big cities or small towns bursting with pride, theres a desire to make sure some show goes on, no matter what it looks like.
Heres how police at Jacksonville-area beaches are preparing for July 4 crowds
However, the pandemic doesnt mean crowds are expected stay away from popular spots including Jacksonville-area beaches, which saw a sharp rise in cases during June. Coronavirus concerns prompted Jacksonville Beach City Council members to cancel Independence Day fireworks, worried about attracting to many people to view the show. Supervisors at all three police departments -- Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach and Jacksonville Beach -- said all officers will be on duty, and that the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office will send officers for additional support. We experience a large, large increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic, said Neptune Beach Police Commander Michael Key. The small city of Neptune Beach is among the hotspots for beachgoers, partygoers and large crowds.
Red, White and Boom to rock this July 4
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ Get ready to rock out in the River City on July 4. WJXT and 97.9 KISS FM have locked down the most star-studded โRed White and Boomโ show in Jacksonvilleโs history. Some top musical groups will be featured during the two-hour show that culminates with the Jacksonville Fireworks Spectacular over the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville this Fourth of July. Or you can stay safe and comfortable in your living room and watch the show. โThe annual July 4th fireworks has been a signature event for the city of Jacksonville and Channel 4 for more than a decade.
4th of July fireworks in Jacksonville will be launched from 6 spots
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. With the goal of having a fireworks show Mayor Lenny Curry says will be bigger, better and safer, the city of Jacksonville on Thursday announced that 4th of July fireworks will be launched from multiple locations. People can still view the Downtown fireworks from the Northbank and Southbank along the St. Johns River. For people who wish to view from home, the fireworks show will be televised on Channel 4 during the Red, White and Boom special. The two hour show that features musical groups will culminate with the Jacksonville Fireworks Spectacular. It will air on WJXT, Channel 4 from 8-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
Jumbo Shrimp to host Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on July 3
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are hosting an Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at 9:15 p.m. Friday, July 3. The Jumbo Shrimp are capping capacity at 2,000 attendees, who will be placed in accordance with social distancing guidelines in the 121 Financial Ballpark seating bowl and bleachers. Tickets for the Jumbo Shrimps Independence Day Fireworks Celebration must be either printed in advance or displayed on a mobile device. We are thrilled to safely host guests for our annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at 121 Financial Ballpark, said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president and general manager Harold Craw. All Jumbo Shrimp staff will be wearing face coverings, and guests are also strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.
Fireworks are booming before July 4, but why the ruckus?
Yet the business of fireworks is booming, with some retailers reporting 200% increases from the same time last year, Heckman said. Its like the Fort Knox of fireworks, said Larry Farnsworth, a spokesman for the National Fireworks Association. The fireworks Heckman is seeing arent professional. Professional fireworks are wider and can explode hundreds of feet higher. Tockstein predicts more people will buy fireworks in the coming weeks as they realize traditional July 4 displays wont happen.
4th of July fireworks are on in Jacksonville
JACKSOVILLE, Fla. โ Mayor Lenny Curry announced Thursday that not only will the city put on its normal Fourth of July fireworks display over the St. Johns River, but Jacksonville will also provide fireworks in other parts of town to ensure people can celebrate the nationโs birthday without congregating downtown. โThis year weโre looking to make it bigger, better and safer,โ Curry said. As we do every year, News4Jax will televise and stream the cityโs fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida, although those will be in short supply this year. Jacksonville Beach postponed its Independence Day fireworks show to New Years Eve. St. Augustine canceled its display, but more recently decided to reconsider that decision as the event gets closer.
Jacksonville Beach officials decide to postpone 4th of July fireworks
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. โ Jacksonville Beach leaders decided Monday to postpone the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Staffopolous said other communities in Florida are also choosing to cancel or postpone the Fourth of July events. Evanoff said even though sheโll miss the fireworks this year she understands the reason for postponing. โItโs definitely another impact, another thing we have to lose out on but we have to do it for the community to be safe,โ Evanoff said. Jacksonville and St. Augustine are still debating their fireworks decisions.
4th of July Fireworks: Protect your pets and plan ahead
Fireworks, cookouts and other celebrations may be on the top of your list, but one local shelter is asking that you pay extra attention to your pets during the holiday. The busiest time in everybody's shelter is the 5th of July, and it's because of the fireworks. The shelter has this message for pet owners when it comes to keeping pets safe through the holiday. "You will recognize signs like they're panting, they're pacing, they're whining. Pay extra attention to your pets this Fourth of July, their lives may depend on it.
Best Seat in Town 2019
/**/Official Contest Rules/Best Seat in Town 2019 Photo Sweepstakesโข General. Failure to comply with these Official Rules or any contest specific rules may result in disqualification from the contest. Four winners and one grand prize winner will be selected randomly. Failure to comply with the Official Rules of the contest may result in an entrantโs disqualification and/or forfeiture of any prize or prizes. 32207 Attn: Contest Winner List, or request it online at contest@wjxt.com.
Be courteous: Fireworks can trigger PTSD in veterans
This article was originally posted in 2018, but has been revived to spread awareness for those with Post-traumatic stress disorder. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The sound of fireworks may not be a big deal to some, but to our veterans, it could trigger their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Its the reason why News4Jax wants to remind everyone to be courteous of local veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The fireworks can be a nightmare- triggering anxiety attacks and frightening those veterans with PTSD. He wants more people to understand what other veterans may be going through when those fireworks go off.
St. Augustine, Brunswick on Forbes' list of top small towns for fireworks
Forbes magazine, which can travel to any big-city fireworks display in the world and put it on the company tab, turned its attention the other way this year, putting together a list of the best small-town Independence Day celebrations in the country. Two celebrations in our backyard made it into the magazine's top 10:Truckee, CaliforniaStowe, VermontBend, OregonBristol, Rhode IslandOld Orchard Beach, MaineColonial Williamsburg, VirginiaFlagstaff, ArizonaGatlinburg, TennesseeForbes' writer Barbara Noe Kennedy noted that, with St. Augustine's historic pedigree, "What better place to celebrate?" And about Brunswick, she wrote: "Youโll be wrapped up in old-timey-ness at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, where festivities include sack races, tug of wars, horseshoe tossing, free South Georgia watermelon, and, at dusk, fireworks over the East River and Oglethorpe Bay."
July 4th in St. Augustine means fireworks and more
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ As the city of St. Augustine prepares to celebrate our nationโs Independence Day, including the annual Fireworks over the Matanzas festivities. There will be limited parking throughout the downtown area, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early and use the Historic Downtown parking facility at 1 Cordova St., adjacent to the St. Augustine and St. Johns County Visitor Information Center. Hunt Elementary School (125 Magnolia Dr.) andโข St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (999 Anastasia Blvd.). The St. Augustine Police Department has a traffic plan to move vehicles safely and as quickly as possible out of the downtown area following the show. Fireworks over the Matanzas is produced by the city of St. Augustine with support funding from the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.
At least 6 Revolutionary War patriots buried in northeast Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ While Florida wasn't a colony at the time of the American Revolution, there are at least six patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War buried in Northeast Florida. John Carroll Houston is buried in Jacksonville, and Juan McQueen is buried in St. Augustine. After his death in Fernandina Beach on April 28, 1842, he was buried near the lighthouse with his wife. Vaughn's marker says that he was a Revolutionary War Patriot, and a veteran of the War of 1812 and the Florida Indian Wars. The family cemetery is on land granted by the United States government to the family as a pension in 1832.