CLEARWATER, Fla. — It was a beautiful night across the Tampa Bay area for Independence Day. From St. Petersburg to Madeira Beach, the skies were lit up on July 4.

The city of Clearwater marked a milestone with the first Fourth of July celebrated at the newly-renovated Coachman Park. One family made the spot an Independence Day tradition due to what they think of the changes.

Leslie Bevis and her family sat behind The Sound, behind the stage on the green and with a front row seat to the main event. It was clear they've done The Fourth at Coachman Park before.

"It's the area, with the boats and the bridge and the water. It just brings it all together," Bevis said.

That's not all this spot brings together - Bevis said for the past ten years, every July 4, her family comes to Coachman Park to celebrate.

"A lot of them work different schedules, so we try to at least get together every fourth," she said.

This year looked a little different. Coachman Park marked its grand re-opening last week after major renovations. City officials said it was the biggest project in Clearwater's history in both size and cost.

I think it's beautiful. I really do," said Bevis. "It is a step up from what it was."

All afternoon, there was live music, family activities, an outdoor market and a splash pad for the kids.

Bevis' grandson, 8-year-old Nathaniel Rodriguez, said it was a good day.

"Just eating and having fun," he said.

But what he was really looking forward to was the fireworks, especially his favorites. 

"The big red ones," Rodriguez said.

As for Bevis, she's already imagining what the changes will mean for future fourths. 

"It is nice to have all the palm trees here and once they grow in, we'll have shade for next year," she said.