St. Augustine's skyline is set to shimmer with patriotic spirit as the annual Fireworks Over the Matanzas celebration lights up the night on July 4, a display that promises to dazzle residents and visitors from near and far, the 20-minute extravaganza is choreographed to a soundtrack of crowd-pleasing tunes echoing across the bayfront according to a recent announcement by the City of St. Augustine.
Preceding the pyrotechnics, The Plaza de la Constitución will resonate with the sounds of The All-Star Orchestra, entertaining the gathering with a two-hour concert featuring Big Band and Swing standards infusing a touch of patriotic flair starting at 6:00pm; however, visitors should take note that free parking and shuttle services are being offered from several locations across Anastasia Island including the Anastasia Baptist Church, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, R.B. Hunt Elementary School, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park with the caveat that those at the latter must trek to R.B. Hunt for the shuttle service.
As the city braces for increased foot and bike traffic, officials urge early arrival, stressing that parking downtown will be scarce and encouraging use of the Historic Downtown Parking Facility as well as other lots and on-street spaces which are free on the day as part of the city's celebration of federal holidays, while parking at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument will maintain its usual rates and restrictions, confirmed by the City of St. Augustine's briefing.
Commemorative joy will also bring temporary street closures, as certain areas will begin closing as early as 4:00pm, extending until around 11:00 p.m., affecting Cathedral Place, Avenida Menendez, S. Castillo Drive among others and no east bound traffic will be allowed on King Street from US-1 with an estimated 9:00 p.m. start time; these necessary precautions are adapted by the St. Augustine Police Department, with closures are subject to change for public safety considerations, the department aims to reopen roads between 11:30pm and midnight, although, given the density of celebration-goers, all anticipated times are fluid and subject to modification.
Boating enthusiasts are advised that the Bridge of Lions will halt marine traffic shortly after the 8:00pm opening until around 11:00pm, with marine law enforcement patrolling to inform any vessels entering the prohibited space and the St. Augustine Municipal Marina offering limited docking - inquiries for availability can be directed to their channels on VHF CH 16 or CH 71. Although the fireworks are scheduled come rain or shine, the Florida summer weather could prompt a last-minute cancellation or postponement, with official notifications to be posted on the City of St. Augustine's website and social media accounts, finalizing a festive day contributed to by Old Town Trolley Tours and the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council.
