Boom by the Bay: Tampa announces expanded Independence Day fireworks shows
TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - A new mayor and now, a big new July 4 celebration. Mayor Jane Castor announced via social media Monday there will be a massive fireworks display called Boom by the Bay along the Hillsborough River.
"As your new mayor, I want to kick off my time in office with a big bang," Mayor Jane Castor quipped in a video release announcing the shows.
Boom by the Bay will include four simultaneous July 4th fireworks displays along two and a half miles of the Hillsborough River downtown, at Waterworks Park and Armature Works, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, the Tampa Convention Center, and Sparkman Wharf.
"This is about celebrating the entire city, and coming downtown -- the heart of downtown -- on the waterfront," said Shaun Drinkard, with Tampa's Downtown Partnership.
Historically, the main Tampa fireworks show has been in the Channelside district, which is now Sparkman Wharf.
"We realized there's all these different locations that have either a history of fireworks or are looking to do fireworks," said Drinkard. "Collectively, it was a chance for all of us to work together and pull off one really big fireworks show that we can showcase every great destination downtown."
No matter where you are on July 4 near the Hillsborough River downtown, you'll be able to see and hear fireworks along a stretch of 2.5 miles.
"The entire Riverwalk, you can come in at any given point, head to one of those major destinations and see a really impressive fireworks show," said Drinkard.
Drinkard says it's a tradition meant to bring the people of Tampa together, as a city -- and nation -- to celebrate our freedoms in this country.
"There are all kinds of different opportunities at different locations, so this truly is a signature event, in which we can all celebrate one another, come down and enjoy, in different locations throughout the evening," said Drinkard.
Boom By The Bay will be funded by private entities. It will be Tampa's biggest fireworks display, ever.
While the fireworks display will be the event's main attraction, Mayor Castor says it will also feature family-friendly events and live entertainment. More details are expected in the coming weeks.