The 4th of July falls on a Saturday this year, which means that many of us will get a three day weekend.  While some of the beach communities are still unsure if they will be having firework displays (due to the nesting Sea Turtles and Federal Law), remember that there are lots of fun things to do around Florida.


Here are some great events going on around the state that I got from the Sun-Sentinel.  If you are a Florida resident, you might be able to find some great residnet rates for hotels and attractions.  If you are from out of state, try www.florida-hotel-deals.com for some deals.

Cape Coral: The Red, White and Boom Celebration on Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway (shut down between the bridge and Del Prado Boulevard beginning the afternoon of July 4) offers entertainment on two stages. It's a street party expected to draw more than 50,000 people. Four bands will entertain and a children's carnival will keep youngsters happy. Vendors will sell food and beer. Watch fireworks over the river from land or boat. Info: 239-549-6900. For information on Cape Coral and the surrounding area, visit www.fortmyers-sanibel.com.

Cocoa: Historic Cocoa Village puts on a free celebration at Cocoa Village Riverfront Park Amphitheatre at 8 p.m. on July 4. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra will perform a patriotic concert and fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. as the orchestra continues to play. Children's activities and food court will be available (nominal charge). Bring your lawn chair. Cocoa Village is in the restored downtown of Cocoa between U.S. 1 and the Indian River adjacent to State Road 520. Info: cocoavillage.com.

Daytona Beach: On and off the track there are fireworks during the Coke Zero 400 (formerly known as the Pepsi 400 and the Firecracker 400) NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on July 4. And this year it's a doubleheader, with the Brumos Porsche 250 in addition to the Coke Zero 400. A variety of packages and tickets are available for purchase. Info: daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

Kissimmee: The July 4 Celebration is a free event at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The patriotic event includes a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. Kids' activities will be available. Kissimmee Lakefront Park is at 101 Lakeshore Blvd. Entertainment and activities are held at various locations throughout the park. Info: kissimmeeparksandrec.com.

Orlando: Orlando's theme parks are always ready to celebrate and Independence Day is no exception. All four Walt Disney World theme parks present special shows to mark July 4. Most notable, perhaps, are the celebrations at the Magic Kingdom presenting SpectroMagic (lighted parade) and Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert In The Sky. Incidentally, the park's Audio-Animatronics figure of President Barack Obama is currently slated to be in place at the park's Hall of Presidents "in early July," according to Disney. For its part, Epcot presents a special holiday fireworks display along with its laser/music/fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations. The festivities are included in park admission: $75 for adults; $63 for children. Info: disneyworld.com.
At Universal Orlando, visitors may take in a special version of Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular, complete with patriotic finale and fireworks display. The show is included in regular park admission: $75 for adults; $63 for children. Info: universalorlando.com.
And in Orlando itself, festivities include Fireworks At The Fountain, a free fireworks display and laser show on July 4. Visitors may pack a picnic basket and blanket and head out to Lake Eola for the celebration. Info: cityoforlando.net.

Port St. Joe: Independence on the Coast features a Pirate Invasion, Feasts with Pirates, a costume contest, games, a bikes parade, golf cart parade, a concert in the park and fireworks July 3-4. The events are at Frank Pate Park on St. Joseph's Bay in downtown Port St. Joe. Admission is free. Info: gulfchamber.org.

Sebring: For those who want to mark Independence Day actively and celebrate in good shape, Sebring offers the Firecracker 5K Race at Highlands Hammock State Park on July 4. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. — wear your red, white and blue gear and look out for Uncle Sam. Entry fee is $20. And it's all for a good cause: proceeds benefit the Avon Park High School Cross Country program. Info: floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock.

St. Augustine: The July Fourth Fireworks at the Old City are one of the largest displays on Florida's East Coast, lighting up the skies over the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflecting in the waters of Matanzas Bay, beginning at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Best viewing vantage points are along the bay shore between the Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. The spectacle is free. Info: visitoldcity.com.

Tampa: '70s & '80s Rockers Revisited is a pair of Independence Day weekend concerts July 3-4 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. On July 3, legendary teen heartthrob David Cassidy from The Partridge Family performs; on July 4, former Starship lead singer Mickey Thomas rocks the gardens, followed by fireworks. Park admission is $69.95 for adults; $59.95 for children. Info: buschgardens.com.