Fernandina Fireworks & Festivities July 4, 2019

Where To Watch Amelia Island Fireworks

Summer’s biggest holiday, a time when America celebrates Independence Day, is almost here. On the Fourth of July 2019, Amelia Island’s three professional fireworks displays can be enjoyed by the public. Also happening during this holiday weekend is the free outdoor street concert, “Sounds on Centre,” in downtown Fernandina. The concert features “Island Vibe” playing Friday evening, July 5, 2019 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Independence Day, July 4, 2019

Choose whether to watch fireworks at the downtown riverfront in Fernandina’s historic district at the “Hometown Celebration” event (details below), or head to the beach. Amelia Island’s two oceanfront resorts, the Ritz-Carlton and Omni Amelia Island Plantation, both feature fireworks at the seashore on Thursday, July 4th.

Watch Fireworks in Downtown Fernandina

Hometown Celebration – Fernandina Fireworks 9 pm

Happening in downtown Fernandina on Independence Day is the “2019 Hometown Celebration.” Festivities are scheduled July 4, 2019 from 5 pm to 9:30 pm near the Fernandina Beach Harbor Marina, ending with fireworks display. There will be a “Kid’s Zone” (bounce house, face painting), vendors, and fun contests happening at the parking lots along the downtown riverfront (adjacent to Front Street). The Nassau Community Band will play patriotic music, with the National Anthem at 8:45 pm. Food vendors include Sunshine Grindz & Cold Stone Creamery.

Thanks To “Light Up Amelia”

Fernandina’s fireworks are thanks to “Light Up Amelia” and sponsors, including Community First Credit Union. A non-profit community organization, “Light Up Amelia” was founded to support family-friendly celebrations and fireworks on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve (Fernandina’s “Shrimp Drop”).

What Time Are Fireworks At The Beach?

An annual tradition, the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean will burst with fireworks thanks to Amelia Island’s luxury resorts on the south end of Amelia Island. The fireworks can be seen for miles at the beachfront.

Thursday, July 4, 2019 — The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Oceanfront fireworks display at 9:15 pm.

Thursday, July 4, 2019 — Omni Amelia Island Plantation. Oceanfront fireworks display at 9:30 pm.

Thousands usually go to the beach in the evening with eyes to the skies, looking toward the south end’s fireworks. Tailgating-like gatherings are held, people arriving in the late afternoon and early evening, bringing picnic fare and setting up for a festive holiday feast at the beach. For newcomers to Amelia Island, the two largest public beach parking lots nearest to these two resorts launching fireworks are Peter’s Point and Burney Park at American Beach. It’s a safer option for all to watch professional fireworks displays.

Some do, however, bring their own fireworks to set off at the beach. Unfortunately, far too many go home and leave fireworks debris and trash along the seashore. Thus, the day after the holiday is not so happy for Mother Nature. July 5th is typically the worst trash day of the year on Amelia Island’s beaches.

Leave Only Your Footprints

It’s unfortunate that so many enjoy the privilege of visiting the beaches, parking for free, and yet seem unbothered about leaving trash behind. When the tide comes in and next recedes, fireworks discards and other trash washes out to sea, adding to ocean pollution and causing potential harm to sea life.

Volunteer July 5, 2019 To Clean Up Beaches

Each year the public is asked to pitch in and volunteer to help clean up the beaches on July 5th. Early birds can just bring their own garbage bags, go to a favorite area of the beachfront at sunrise or early morning and pick up trash along the shoreline. Keep Nassau Beautiful is providing supplies for organized beach clean ups at Amelia Island’s largest oceanfront parks — Main Beach, Seaside Park, Peters Point and American Beach. All are invited to lend helping hands from 8 am to 10 am on Friday, July 5, 2019. Please RSVP online for the organized clean up sites.

Florida Fireworks Loophole

As the July 4th holiday approaches, tents pop up selling fireworks for the big summer holiday. It’s easy to buy fireworks in Florida. Most of these sales, however, are through a loophole in the law. Some may misunderstand what fireworks are legal in Florida for public use. Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal (this includes “firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, and dago bombs,” according to Florida Statute). “As a general guideline, anything that flies through the air or explodes is not allowed for consumer use. Floridians should NOT sign “waivers” in order to purchase fireworks. Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility, should you be caught illegally using fireworks – which is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000.00 fine,” a Fernandina Beach Fire Department Facebook post warns on July 3, 2019. For further clarification, also see a Fernandina Beach Police Department press release about fireworks (issued a few years back).

Professional Fireworks, Better For Nature, Too

Debris from all kinds of fireworks can be found on the beaches the morning after the fourth. It’s a safer option for all to watch professional fireworks displays, and better for nature. Patriotic and holiday celebrations are a part of life and people enjoy watching fireworks. But when the general public handles fireworks, accidents and injuries can and do happen. Plus here at the coast, the beaches, the ocean and wildlife also suffer consequences. Do consider, instead, watching the professional displays.