Weekend Forecast

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.

Independence Day is a time for food, fun, fanfare -- and, of course, fireworks.

News4JAX rode along with the St. Johns Fire and Rescue and Marine Rescue crew Thursday as they were out on the water for the Fourth of July holiday, making sure people were safe.

Dressed in their best patriotic partywear, dozens showed up to the VFW Post 5968 in Orange Park, not only to celebrate the Fourth of July, but to celebrate one special military veteran. Retired Navy Master Chief Fred Long who turned 100 on Thursday.

It may have been a great day at the beach, but some decided it was a better day to head to the pool for relaxation and family time. More than two dozen city of Jacksonville pools were open for people to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday with their loved ones.

The National Weather Service says that around 134 million people in the U.S. are under alerts as an extremely dangerous and record-breaking heat wave broils much of the country.

You might think the fire and heat are enough to sterilize the grill, but anything that's stuck to your grill's grates may end up in your food.

A little rain, a little heat, a little tropics. Let's cover it all!

Millions of Americans are celebrating the Fourth of July despite heat warnings, a projected record number of travelers and so many beachgoers that officials had to close some parks to latecomers.

Travelers are ready to see the sky lit up with fireworks on Thursday as they make their way to Northeast Florida to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Do you want to keep your pets safe before fireworks start popping off in the sky on Thursday?

AAA expects record numbers of 6 million people to fly and 60 million people to drive for the Fourth of July.

As tens of thousands of beachgoers are expected to come to Jacksonville Beach for Fourth of July holiday celebrations, more officers and safety workers will be on hand to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Fourth of July is considered one of the busiest and most dangerous times for boating. An increase in boaters on the water means an increased risk for accidents.

News4JAX spoke with local fireworks vendors and the captain of Jacksonville Fire Rescue about this year’s best-selling fireworks and how you and your family can enjoy them safely.

Showers, Storms and your Independence Day Celebration

Max Ervanian, a training and operations officer with Ocean Rescue, said there are three things you need to do before you leave the house to better ensure your safety on the sand and in the water.

As we enjoy our beaches and shorelines this Fourth of July weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing a reminder that nesting season is underway for our state’s imperiled sea turtles, shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds.

Residents across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are ready to celebrate Independence Day with food, fun, fanfare -- and, of course, fireworks.

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 Auto Club Group is activating its Tow to Go program in Florida and other select states, offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.

Fourth of July is right around the corner, and Jacksonville Fire Rescue emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety around fireworks.

We are celebrating this nostalgic treat with a twist!

The City of Jacksonville will have five locations again this year where spectators can watch a fireworks show on the 4th of July this year.

More than 500 people were rescued at Florida beaches over the 4th of July weekend, and Ocean Rescue wants you to understand the dangers of the water.

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.

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.

The 4th of July holiday turned into an intense scene on Crescent Beach in St. Johns County. Four people were rescued in the ocean.

Volunteers will be picking up trash Wednesday starting at 7 a.m. after Tuesday's Fourth of July celebration at Jacksonville Beach.

As people continue to celebrate Independence Day, officials are warning people to drink responsibly. The National Safety Council predicts 600 people will die in a crash during the July 4th holiday period.

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.

The Fourth of July can be a miserable time for your pet, so plan in advance to make sure they're going to be OK during the fireworks shows sure to be lighting up around your neighborhood.

As people prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, dozens got a head start Tuesday morning by taking part in the Celebration 5K at First Place Sports in Mandarin.

A lot of you may be planning to grill out to celebrate the 4th of July and the last thing you want to do is put your friends and family at risk of foodborne illness.

The American flag will be flown throughout the country on July 4, but it wasn't always a revered and debated symbol.

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.

While most businesses will be open for Independence Day, others will be closed.

With Fourth of July sales here and Amazon Prime Day right around the corner, Consumer Reports says July is a month full of ways to save big this summer.

Residents across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia are ready to celebrate Independence Day with food, fun, fanfare -- and, of course, fireworks.

AAA expects to rescue more than 393,000 drivers over the Fourth of July weekend. The group also predicts that Friday will be the busiest day on the road.

The Fourth of July, along with other summer holidays, typically account for more than one-third of all boating-related accidents and deaths, according to the American Boating Association.

St. Johns County is offering beachgoers free shuttle service to and from the beach on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

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

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.

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 “clear and present danger.”

There’s a mental health crisis, there’s not enough access to mental health and many services are voluntary unless someone’s Baker Acted or arrested.

The federal observance of the holiday falls on a Monday this year. While most businesses will be open for Independence day, others will be closed.

The Flagler County Sheriff's office is debuting its new Boston Whaler Justice 250 this holiday weekend.

Skyrocketing gas prices and inflation aren’t putting the brakes on travel for the July 4th Holiday weekend.

News4Jax will teach you how to display the flag properly, dispose of the flag and fold the flag.

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.

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

Visitors are heading back to Jacksonville Beach this holiday weekend after several events were canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The July 4th holiday weekend is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Duval County’s beaches over the three-day weekend and city officials are preparing for the post-pandemic tourism surge.

AAA predicts nearly 44 million Americans, including 2.4 million Floridians, will hit the roads this Fourth of July weekend.

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

4th of July events are happening all over Northeast Florida along with other community outings.

Did you miss the 2020 Jacksonville Fireworks Spectacular? No worries! Want to watch it again? We got you covered. Click the photo above to watch the entire fireworks show.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 – Fireworks or sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1200 degrees, which can cause third degree burns. Consider attending a professional fireworks show – 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.

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.

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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – 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 ‘Red White and Boom’ show in Jacksonville’s 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. “The annual July 4th fireworks has been a signature event for the city of Jacksonville and Channel 4 for more than a decade.

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.

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.

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.

It’s the perfect time to put the red, white and blue out on display.

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.

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.

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.

/**/Official Contest Rules/Best Seat in Town 2019 Photo Sweepstakes• 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 entrant’s disqualification and/or forfeiture of any prize or prizes. 32207 Attn: Contest Winner List, or request it online at contest@wjxt.com.

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.

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: "You’ll 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."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the city of St. Augustine prepares to celebrate our nation’s 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.) and• 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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – 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.