Five Things for the Fourth of July

Sparklers and s’mores, hamburgers and hotdogs signal the Fourth of July. Watch fireworks displays, go to the beach or a baseball game. Whatever you choose enjoy the Independence Day weekend.

1. Catch some baseball and fireworks. The Threshers plan two games against the Lakeland Flying Tigers followed by obscene amount of fireworks. Saturday features a special appearance by Birdzerk. Games start at 6:30 p.m. (Saturday) and 6 p.m. (Sunday).
2. ...Or catch some rays at the beach. For the South Beach set check out the Beach Party Sunday at Shepard’s Beach Resort. The event features drink specials and live entertainment by Dev. And the Monday with DJ X.
3. The 32nd annual Kiwanis Morton Plant Mease Midnight Run. There are mile, 5k and 10k events starting at 2602 Bayshore Blvd. in Dunedin Sunday (July 3) and into the morning of the Fourth of July. The path will be lined with luminaries. The 5k starts at 11 p.m. and the 10 k is at 12:15 a.m. Monday. Proceeds benefit area charities. Call (727) 535-2257.
4. Clearwater Celebrates America, the city’s annual fireworks display, is centered at Coachman Park. It features the Mostly Pops Orchestra, fireworks and plenty for the kids to do. Gates open at 4 p.m; music starts at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The Memorial Causeway Bridge will be closed from 9 to 10:30 p.m. during the display. Use Belleair Causeway Bridge as a detour. Also, Drew Street from Cleveland Street to Osceola Avenue will be closed from 4 to 10 p.m. Use Park Street as a detour.
5. And make sure to designate a driver if you are planning a spirited party. Especially Saturday night when Clearwater Police will be ramping up DUI enforcement from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. at “various locations” throughout the city.