TAMPA, Fla. — The City of Tampa has taken over its July 4th fireworks.
- Boom By The Bay 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Tampa
- Activities at 4 locations along Tampa Riverwalk 4 - 6 p.m., Fireworks at 9 p.m.
- Boom By The Bay FAQ
The new tradition "Boom By The Bay" made its debut Thursday night and is being touted as the largest July 4th celebration in Florida.
Thousands of people gathered along the riverfront downtown to watch fireworks being set off from different locations including Armature Works, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, the Tampa Convention Center and Sparkman Wharf.
The Independence Day fun was spread out at four locations along 2.5 miles of the Downtown Tampa Waterfront.
The July 4th celebration featured family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and four firework displays.
There was some pressure on the city tonight.
After a couple of years of disappointing fireworks displays downtown, new mayor Jane Castor decided to step in and have the city take over the event as opposed to have non-profit organizations with smaller budgets do the fireworks show. The budget for tonight's show was provided by $150,000 in private donations.
"I want to kick off my time in office with a big bang," Castor said. "This is fully sponsored by private dollars, and all these different venues along the way are highly supportive of doing this."
Each of the four locations along the Riverwalk had a 20 minute fireworks show that is scheduled for 9 p.m.
All HART bus services were free on Thursday, with additional shuttles available in Downtown Tampa. A free bike valet was also be available at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
There is no cost to attend the event and watch the fireworks displays. Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf will be open for business, and there will be food trucks at the Tampa Convention Center, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Water Works Park, and Cotanchobee Park.
For more information on the event, transportation, parking, and maps, click here.