Gulfport 4th of July Celebration: What to Know Before You Go

Gulfport, FL – Once again, the City of Gulfport is ready to lead the way when it comes to Independence Day celebrations in the Tampa Bay area.

The City of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration features a full day of event for the entire family, from fishing to fireworks. Here’s what residents need to know before you go:

Date and Time

The City of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration takes place on Monday, July 4. There are eight different events throughout the day beginning with the registration for the fishing tournament at 7:30 a.m. The last event, the fireworks display, begins at 9 p.m.

Locations

All of the events will take place around the Gulfport waterfront.

Remote Parking

The Gulfport Trolley will be available from noon to 5:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 11 p.m. for free transportation. Last drop off is 10:45 p.m. The Trolley is available from the following parking areas:

• Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
• Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center/Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S.
• Hoyt Field, 2306 56th St. S.
• Chase Park, 54th Street North and 27th Avenue South
• Ted Phillips Wood Ibis Park, 58th Street South and 28th Avenue South
• Gulfport Municipal Marina, 4630 29th Ave. S.

Limited beach access will be granted for non-motorized dinghies. Boaters can dock at the Gulfport Municipal Marina the day of the event for $1.50-per-foot plus tax fee. Reservations for the Gulfport Municipal Marina are accepted online by visiting this site.

Street and Location Closings

The following streets in Gulfport will be closed beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 4:

• Beach Boulevard from 31st Avenue South to Shore Boulevard
• Shore Boulevard from 54th Street South to 56th Street South.
• 54th Street South (east side)
• Beach Boulevard south of 28th Avenue from 5:45 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Other early closings include:

• Williams Pier, corner of Shore Boulevard South and 54th Street South, on Sunday, July 3. Perimeter buoys will designate a fireworks safety zone from the Williams Pier extending into Boca Ceiga Bay.
• Unauthorized boats parked at the casino dock will be towed to a safe location.
• Fencing will be placed on the seawall at Veteran’s Park, corner of Shore Boulevard South and 54th Street South) extending to the Gulfport Casino.

Schedule of Events

The following events will take place during the City of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration:

Marina’s Fishing Derby

The fishing derby will take place at the Gulfport Recreation Center’s seawall from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Gulfport Recreation Family Sand Sculpture Contest

The sand sculpture contest will take place on Gulfport Beach from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The theme is Red, White and Blue.

KIDZONE!

KIDZONE! will be open on Gulfport Beach behind the Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. from noon to 5 p.m.

Live musical entertainment

Live music will take place at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom’s outdoor event stage, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. The featured act is Tampa-based party band Solar Exposure.

Gulfport Community Parade

The Gulfport Community Parade begins at 6 p.m. and will go down Beach Boulevard to the Gulfport Casino, where it will head west on Shore Boulevard to 58th Street South.

Mayor and Council Members’ Welcome

Gulfport Mayor Samuel Henderson and members of the Gulfport City Council will welcome guests to the Gulfport 4th of July Celebration at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom’s outdoor event stage at 6:30 p.m.

Fireworks Display

The city’s fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

For more information on the City of Gulfport’s 4th of July Celebration, call (727) 893-1118.

Image via the City of Gulfport website

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