{"id":8125,"date":"2020-06-30T16:43:04","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T20:43:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.greatflorida.com\/?p=8125"},"modified":"2026-04-16T17:53:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T21:53:35","slug":"celebrating-the-fourth-of-july","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/2020\/celebrating-the-fourth-of-july\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating the Fourth of July"},"content":{"rendered":"

This 4th<\/sup> of July will certainly look different from years past. \u201cIndependence Day is a day of unity across the US, we could really use that this year,\u201d says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s top independent homeowners insurance <\/a>agency.<\/p>\n

Closings and Cancellations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anxiety over coronavirus and the civil unrest over systemic racism in our country has many people on edge and a unified celebration would be welcome. However, with coronavirus surging in Florida, many municipal Independence Day activities, such as parades and fireworks displays are modified or cancelled. Some beaches across the state are closing as well.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, do not let the cancellations get you down. Not all activities are quashed. Before making any plans, check to see what is open. Location openings and closings and scheduled events change daily.<\/p>\n

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https:\/\/www.nsc.org\/home-safety\/tools-resources\/seasonal-safety\/summer\/fireworks<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

To check your local beach openings, see the following link.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.floridatoday.com\/story\/news\/2020\/06\/30\/coronavirus-florida-beaches-closed-open-july-4-holiday\/3277961001\/<\/a><\/p>\n

For state parks checkout the website: https:\/\/www.floridastateparks.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Community social networking pages are a good resource to find out what is happening in your area.<\/p>\n

Fireworks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you enjoy them or despise them, fireworks are having a moment. According to NBC News<\/a>, fireworks sellers expected to see a 20 to 50 percent drop in sales this year due to COVID-19. However, some fireworks stores are experiencing a 200 percent plus increase in sales. Sellers attribute the spike to boredom.<\/p>\n

This year, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill making fireworks legal on July 4th<\/sup>, New Year\u2019s Eve and New Year\u2019s Day. Florida\u2019s fireworks law defines \u201cfireworks\u201d as everything that goes into the air or explodes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways use caution when lighting fireworks. Adult supervision is a must, says Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>, Florida\u2019s largest independent homeowners insurance<\/a> agency.<\/p>\n

Also, The National Safety Council<\/a> urges never re-light a malfunctioning firework and keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not work.<\/p>\n

If you prefer someone else oversee the fireworks display, you can watch NBC\u2019s Macy\u2019s 4th<\/sup> of July Fireworks<\/a> from New York at 8-10 p.m.<\/p>\n

PBS is broadcasting A Capitol Fourth<\/a> from D.C. at 8-9:30p.m. Both shows will include live performances as well as fireworks. Many local firework shows will be streamed live on Facebook.<\/p>\n

Social Distance Celebration<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you are not ready to be around crowds, you can enjoy a fun and safe celebration from home. Host a family 4th<\/sup> of July run or bike ride. Race bibs and medals are available online and do not forget prizes to motivate the family.<\/p>\n

An Outdoor movie or games such as badminton and corn-hole or turning on the sprinkler can provide fun.<\/p>\n

If you decide to host a cook-out, the following are tips to keep everyone healthy.<\/p>\n