4 sites options to watch downtown fireworks

Southbank Riverwalk closed for construction

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As so many do every Fourth of July, thousands will head downtown Friday night to watch the fireworks. But one popular spot to see them is closed this year for construction: the Southbank Riverwalk.

The city is suggesting four other locations though: Friendship Fountain on the Southbank,

the Shipyards on the Northbank, the Jacksonville Landing for those 21 and older or, if younger, with parents, or the Riverside Arts Market.

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Those spots are expected to be more crowded than usual, so if you're going you'll want to get there early.

The popular site next to the Duval County School Board is not an option this year. Neither is all up and down the Southbank Riverwalk.

Friendship Fountain will have interactive events from the Museum of Science and History starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

At the shipyards, there will be water slides, volleyball, Giant Jenga and live music also starting at 5 p.m.

The Landing will have live music from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. The big question is where to park.

"There is plenty of places to still park downtown," special events director Tonisha Landry-Gaines said. "There is tons of parking and we have plenty of different areas, and using the shipyards this year gives us some of that extra traffic and the extra flow, and people can park there and still enjoy the fireworks."


About the Author:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.