Jacksonville, FL

I was about to post a Happy Fourth to all my About-Jacksonville, FL readers when an email came in from Governor Charlie Crist. I’m getting ready to enjoy a cookout, maybe a swim (weather permitting), and fireworks. But first I wanted to share the governor’s message with you–his email included the photo above:

America is blessed with incredible diversity, boundless beauty and endless opportunity unlike any other nation in the history of the world. On the Fourth of July, I reflect on the courage of our forefathers, going into war as the underdogs. They had a vision of what the United States could be and that dream carried them through to victory.

It’s the dream my grandfather carried with him when he came to this country nearly 100 years ago, and it’s that same dream of freedom and a better way of life that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces faithfully and skillfully defend.

I can’t say it better than Florida’s popular governor.

So have a great Fourth, stay safe, and enjoy this holiday that nicely gives us a mid-week break.

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We spend holidays like July 4 and Memorial Day here at home. We swim, eat and sometimes go to a fireworks display.

The National Weather Service forecast for Wednesday, July 4, currently calls for scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.

I told my younger daughter this morning July 4 weather in the South is always iffy. Even if the day dawns brightly, there’s always a chance for one of our famous Jacksonville popup showers. The rain was so loud last night it woke me up several times.

Nevertheless, we plan a cookout. The one thing I have relented on involves the menu. Now we plan something that won’t be a disaster if we have to cook it indoors. We tend to swim, eat and enjoy music on this holiday. Sometimes we take in a public fireworks display.

The City of Jacksonville always has a great pyrotechnic show—this year’s Skyblast Fireworks show starts at 9:45 p.m. Fireworks will be shot from barges; this increases the security factor. I really enjoy the city displays, but you have to get there early so you can park, and then leaving is a definite boggle. Downtown Jax is very compact, so when everyone leaves an event at the same time, it can get pretty congested. Plus you’re dodging pedestrians all over the place. So take your time and be patient. The fuss is worth it, though, because the displays are gorgeous. Read about the fireworks, parking, and picnic and other activities at the city Web site.

Jacksonville Beach also does a great display. I’ve never gone to that one, but most other events I’ve attended there draw more teen and college-age people.

As far as burn bans, as best I can tell, the ban in Flagler County is still in effect, according to the Florida Times Union.

Remember to be careful with fireworks if you do your own display. The Florida Department of Health says each year within the United States, more than 4,000 children under the age of 15 are treated in emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks.

Above all, have a safe and happy July 4th as we celebrate our country’s birthday.

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As the July 4 holiday approaches, we will be treated to multiple fireworks displays. I’m not talking about the officially sanctioned public displays.

I’m talking about John or Josie Q. Public lighting up the sky courtesy of a personal display that likely cost at least as much as a week’s groceries. For a family of four. From inland neighborhoods to the beaches, Jacksonville will boom and crackle with the best of them beginning Tuesday.

Since moving to Jacksonville, I’ve learned this place is crazy for fireworks. Any holiday will do. My native state of Carolina is pretty fond of fireworks too, but Jacksonville is the first city I’ve lived in where people lit up the sky and broke the sound barrier at Easter.

We’ve had a long-running drought going, so I’m hoping people who like to do their own displays will use some common sense. For those who plan to send something into the sky, I hope they’ll aim it somewhere besides my roof.

I also hope the larger boom items will go mute by 1 a.m. Big sounds in the wee hours will set our hound dog off.

I also hope parents bear in mind that while little Sam might really enjoy holding those bottle rockets in his hand, and maybe even aiming them at his buddies, neither move is a good idea. Fireworks can burn, blind and inflict other injuries on a child or an adult.

Mark A. Sibley, M.D., offers very good tips at the Florida Eye Center site, and he also provides a sobering prediction. He was speaking about fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but it bears repeating: “As past president of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, I pass on the society’s prediction that more teenage boys will be blinded in fireworks injuries New Year’s Eve than from any other cause this year.”

The Northwest Florida Daily News points out in a recent article that a new law takes effect July 1, prohibiting counties or cities from banning the use or sale of legal fireworks. Since we’ve long been able to purchase any type of firework imaginable, I’m thinking this is one of those overkill laws.

Meanwhile firefighters, emergency crews and law enforcement are guaranteed they’ll see some sort of action due to fireworks in Florida. It’s July 4. Here in Jacksonville, that translates to a hotbed of personal fireworks opportunities.

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Jacksonville will honor those in the military who have given their lives in defense of our country during Memorial Day weekend and on the Monday holiday.

The city’s Memorial Day Observance ceremony will be held Monday, May 28, at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 East Adams Street downtown. Ten local heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice will be honored. A concert precedes the ceremony. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the St. Johns River City Band and Don Thompson chorale will perform.

The ceremony includes keynote speakers, presentation of colors, family tributes, wreath presentation, a 21-gun salute, “Taps” and musical tributes.

For those who can’t attend, the City of Jacksonville Web site provides suggestions for ways to observe this special day.

On Saturday, May 26, the city presents the 2007 Spring Music Festival. Gates open at Metropolitan Park at 6 p.m. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and the movie “Hoodwinked” follows the concert. Music is by Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts Band; Belushi is the voice of the Woodsman in the movie. Admission is free. For full details, visit the Music Festival page at the city Web site.

Today’s Florida Times-Union has additional listings of area events. Pick up a newspaper or visit the T-U Web page for more information about things to do.

Many of us will celebrate with family and friends as we remember the men and women who protect us. Have a safe, happy holiday!

Photo of the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall is from press pages at the City of Jacksonville Web site.

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