Tens of thousands of spectators gathered Friday night for St. Augustine’s popular Independence Day celebration, “Fireworks Over the Matanzas,” as city officials implemented new safety measures to manage the massive crowds.

If you don’t want to leave your house to watch Fourth of July fireworks, we’re giving you a front-row seat on News4JAX.com and News4JAX+.

Dry weather is expected for Fourth of July fireworks in Jacksonville and area beaches, with patchy morning fog and weekend rain chances. The Weather Authority explains what to expect and how to stay safe.

The Fourth of July is Friday, and that means lots of food, fun and fireworks. If you’re planning to set off fireworks, it’s important to be careful.

As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks retailers are gearing up for one of their busiest weekends of the year. But with a 30% U.S. tariff on Chinese imports in effect, some shoppers are wondering whether their holiday celebrations will come with a bigger price tag.

An explosion at a fireworks facility in California was caught on camera Tuesday evening in Yolo County.

Jacksonville’s Fourth of July holiday weekend is expected to bring showers and storm chances, with highest flood and rainfall risks from Friday through Sunday and potential tropical development in the Gulf. Fireworks after 9 p.m. are forecast to be mostly clear.

Weekend Forecast

The United Arab Emirates is hosting its New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest building.

The year 2024 has finally ended, and it’s time to close this chapter and start planning for 2025. What better way to end 2024 than by celebrating and welcoming in the new year by watching fireworks?

Do you want to keep your pets safe before fireworks start popping off in the sky on New Year’s Eve?

An apartment fire at Hunter’s Run Apartments in Clay County displaced six families on Friday night. Officials said on Saturday that the initial cause "appears to be children setting off fireworks."

A Jacksonville man is warning others about the dangers of fireworks, one day after an explosion injured both of his hands, one severely damaged.

Firework shows across Northeast Florida lit up the skies for Independence Day.

Many people celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, but remembering to create a plan before enjoying them is important to prevent injury.

We’d love to see how every community in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia is showing out for America’s birthday.

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and there are some things you should know to prevent fires. In fact, the Fourth poses significant safety problems for trash disposal.

The City of Jacksonville is ready to celebrate the nation's independence with the annual Forth of July Fireworks Celebration. But before the big show, local vendors are spending their July 4th setting up at the Riverside Arts Market.

For the past 15 years, Ken Clements with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office has been with the marine unit. On the Fourth of July holiday, he went out on the St. Marys River with News4JAX photographer Ciara Earrey.

It's July 4th, and self-proclaimed pyrotechnicians are getting ready to blow stuff up in their neighborhoods. Depending on where you live, they may have started already.

A Jacksonville family is finally able to move back into their home a year later after Fourth of July fireworks severely damaged the home.

The consumption of alcohol and exposure to excessive heat can be a dangerous mix as locals gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Happy Independence Day! Arguably the best day for fireworks is here.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said serious injuries related to fireworks that end with a trip to the emergency room remain high. Here's how to celebrate safely.

Share your July 4 celebration photos and videos, see the best places for fireworks around our area and see what stores are open on Independence Day.

The July 4th holiday weekend is nearly upon us, and eyes begin to turn to the weather for a very specific timeframe. Rain and storms are a near-daily occurrence in early July, and they can severely impact the July 4th fireworks displays across the area.

St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office investigators are still looking for a third suspect accused of setting off fireworks in a movie theater and released a photo of him on Facebook Tuesday.

Two teens were arrested over the weekend after setting off fireworks inside a St. Augustine movie theater.

Do you want to watch the fireworks shows around Northeast Florida from the comfort of your own home?

New Year’s Eve is one of the three days a year when people can legally shoot off fireworks in Florida, and doing it safely is at the forefront.

A home on Jacksonville’s westside suffered significant damage after a fire broke out on Independence Day -- likely caused by fireworks set off in the area.

Food, drinks, live music and games highlighted the Fourth of July festivities Monday at Riverfront Plaza.

Thousands of people are expected to hit local beaches to celebrate the Fourth of July.

To celebrate Independence Day, fireworks will be lighting up the sky throughout the Jacksonville area on Monday night.

People across Northeast Florida are getting ready to shoot off fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July. For military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, they can be triggering.

Near seasonal afternoon highs under partly cloudy skies.  Scattered showers with storms will develop this afternoon, along the sea breeze, just west of I-95.  Mother Nature will display her fireworks as early as noon with some lingering between Highway 301 to I-75 through 9 p.m. Mild overnight with patchy fog forming in areas that receive rain.

On top of the rainy weather Jacksonville experienced for fourth of July weekend, supply chain issues played a major part in fireworks vendors receiving less inventory this year.

The Fourth of July holiday means tens of thousands of people will hit Jacksonville-area beaches, and fireworks are scheduled to go off from the Jacksonville Beach Pier at 9 p.m. Monday.

The Fourth of July holiday means tens of thousands of people will hit Jacksonville-area beaches.

How many of you at home dread fireworks or thunderstorms because of what it does to your pets?

Business owners say higher prices for fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July are the result of inflation and supply chain issues.

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, many dog owners are bracing for a holiday celebration that only amounts to stress for their beloved pets.

With summer getting into full swing, that means activities such as barbecues, celebrations with fireworks, and of course, vacations.

News4Jax will televise and stream the city’s fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida.

With New Year’s Eve coming up, there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks. And while it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.

From celebrating the holidays to celebrating a new year, there are some safety recommendations for those buying fireworks.

2021 is coming to a close, and soon it’ll be time to ring in the new year.

The activities scheduled as part of the city of Jacksonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Riverfront Plaza have been postponed until further notice, the city said about 5:40 p.m. Sunday.

Live camera feeds of Jacksonville, Florida

Since January, 1,694 fires have burned approximately 91,000 acres throughout Florida.

News4Jax has compiled a list of where fireworks will be launched near you.

With Independence Day on the horizon, there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks. While it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.

The Local Station continues an Independence Day tradition by broadcasting the city of Jacksonville’s Fourth of July fireworks show live for at-home viewing.

Many people are starting to stock up on fireworks for the Fourth of July. While it can be a fun way to celebrate, it’s important to keep safety in mind so no one gets hurt.

Many people are starting to stock up on fireworks for the Fourth of July. While it can be a fun way to celebrate, it’s important to keep safety in mind so no one gets hurt.

Showers, downpours and thunderstorms are moving inland under the increasing onshore flow.

The July 4 holiday can be thrilling for humans, but it's actually a dangerous time for pets -- and one of the busiest days of the year in animal emergency hospitals.

If you’re looking for a fun and informative way to spend Independence Day, then look no further.

Jacksonville’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration will return this year at multiple locations throughout the city to celebrate the nation’s independence.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, whose job includes the role of state fire marshal, cautioned Floridians to follow fire-safety guidelines ahead of the first New Year’s holiday with a law bolstering the availability of fireworks. Ron DeSantis signed a measure (SB 140) that allows people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day. Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, called the state’s prior fireworks rules “one of the craziest laws we have on the books.” The old fireworks law prohibited explosives, such as firecrackers, torpedoes and roman candles, while allowing relatively innocuous devices such as sparklers. “You’re basically perjuring yourself every time you purchase fireworks, because you’re signing a paper that most people, I would say everyone, doesn’t use for that purpose,” Rodriguez said in February. The new law eliminated the need for people to declare why they are buying fireworks if they use the fireworks during the three holidays listed in the bill.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city of Jacksonville invites residents and visitors downtown to ring in the new year with fireworks over the St. Johns River. The traditional fireworks show will begin at midnight on Jan. 1. Fireworks will be launched from a barge on the river just east of the Main Street Bridge, between the Hyatt and DoubleTree hotels, and high above the river from the Acosta Bridge. You will be able to view the fireworks from various spots along the Northbank and Southbank, including the Riverwalk, Riverfront Plaza and Friendship Fountain.

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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.

St. Johns County fireworks store sees boom in salesPublished: June 29, 2020, 6:06 pmPhantom Fireworks is working to keep shelves stocked as many families are putting on their own shows this year due to COVID-19

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – With the Fourth of July right around the corner and social distancing still a major concern, many counties have canceled or postponed their firework shows. Candice Bryant, general manager of Phantom Fireworks off County Road 210, told News4Jax the store has seen a climb in sales over the last week. RELATED: St. Johns County COVID-19 cases nearly double in a weekAaron Lundy and his family walked the aisles of Phantom Fireworks Monday afternoon, looking for the perfect fireworks display. Tony Fiano, who lives in St. Johns County, wants to make sure the holiday still spreads joy despite these trying times. And with the increase in sales, the store is doing its best to keep the shelves full.

Fourth of July fireworks in Jacksonville will still go on as planned, despite a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. The city-sponsored Independence Day fireworks will take off from six locations in whats planned to be Jacksonvilles largest display ever. We are prepared to act if theres an urgent need to act, said Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham about beaches being open. This isnt over, said UF Health infectious disease expert Chad Neilsen, who holds a masters degree in public health. The city of Jacksonville will launch fireworks from six locations this 4th of July.

By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowdsPublished: June 28, 2020, 6:43 pmMayor’s chief of staff says it’s more important than ever to have something for people to look forward to

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – Nassau County has issued an executive order prohibiting professional fireworks in the county, including for the Fourth of July. According to the executive order, which was signed Saturday by County Manager Michael Mullin, the ban does not include fireworks on a private residential property. READ: Nassau County Executive Order No. 15The order shows the county is prohibiting professional fireworks this year because the increase of COVID-19 cases in Nassau County and the state “causes concerns for activities that increase public gatherings.”A violation of the order is considered to be a second-degree misdemeanor, and anyone who violates it could face a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail.

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.

JACKSOVILLE, Fla. – 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 nation’s birthday without congregating downtown. “This year we’re looking to make it bigger, better and safer,” Curry said. As we do every year, News4Jax will televise and stream the city’s 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, Fla. – 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 she’ll miss the fireworks this year she understands the reason for postponing. “It’s definitely another impact, another thing we have to lose out on but we have to do it for the community to be safe,” Evanoff said. Jacksonville and St. Augustine are still debating their fireworks decisions.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The city of St. Augustine addressed concerns over whether or not the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display will be held this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Special City Commission meeting was held Monday night where they decided to cancel the fireworks celebration based on a presentation from City Manager John Regan about similar firework cancellations in neighboring communities. Regan then issued an apology Tuesday for presenting inaccurate information about decisions from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach. “I presented information regarding the City of Jacksonville Beach and the City of Daytona Beach fireworks’ celebration that was not fully vetted for accuracy. Flagler Beach has cancelled their fireworks and parade,” Regan said.

If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801. Copyright © 2020 News4Jax.com is managed by Graham Digital and pubished by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

Jacksonville Beach City Manager Mike Staffopoulos said he was not prepared to sign the contract for the show yet. He said he was waiting for Jacksonville city leaders to make a decision. A decision is expected to be made at the Jacksonville Beach City Council meeting on June 1. The city of Jacksonville usually allocates $20,000 for the Jacksonville Beach show, but the city of Jacksonville Beach spends additional money on public safety measures, such as extra police officers, lifeguards and emergency services. Jacksonville Beach Mayor Charlie Latham said it was a difficult decision to make because the pandemic is unprecedented and has been unpredictable.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A proposal to allow Floridians to legally buy fireworks for use on three holidays is headed to Gov. Current Florida law governing fireworks is “completely outdated,” according to Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez, a Doral Republican who sponsored the House version of the legislation. The Senate voted 39-0 Monday to approve the bill, which doesn’t preempt local fireworks regulations. State lawmakers over the years have tried and failed to amend the fireworks law, with proposals including a repeal of the ban altogether and making changes to the legal waiver. But fireworks companies -- including TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Sky King Fireworks -- have opposed changes, warning of more injuries to consumers if the market is less restricted.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – An effort to allow people to legally set off fireworks on three days, without a pretense for buying the explosives, is now ready to be heard on the House floor. The House Commerce Committee on Thursday voted 17-5 to support the proposal (HB 65), which seeks to allow people 18 and older to buy fireworks to use on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day, days when fireworks are particularly popular. The proposal wouldn’t prevent local rules regarding fireworks and would eliminate the need for people to declare why they are buying fireworks if solely for use during the three days. The removal of Memorial Day brought Rodriguez’ proposal in line with the Senate version (SB 140), which has passed its committees and is ready for floor action. State lawmakers over the years have tried and failed to amend the fireworks law, with proposals including a repeal of the ban and making changes to the legal waiver to purchase fireworks.

This could be the last New Year’s Eve that fireworks are illegal in FloridaPublished: December 30, 2019, 5:58 pmMany fireworks displays you’ll likely see or hear this New Year’s Eve are technically illegal in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Many fireworks displays you’ll likely see or hear this New Year’s Eve are technically illegal in Florida. These are all illegal in Florida, but I purchased them because I signed this form that says I’m using them for some exemption under Florida law,” Dennis said. It would allow fireworks to be sold and used three times a year -- on Memorial Day, Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. But with or without the bill, fireworks are readily being sold and used under current law. If the bill becomes law, you’ll have to be 18 or older to purchase fireworks.

Fireworks lit up Downtown Jacksonville's skyline to cap off Independence Day. If you need help with WJXT’s or WCWJ's FCC public inspection file, call (904) 393-9801.

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.