An epic Florida Keys Fourth Of July weekend is quickly approaching and the keys are bracing for record-breaking crowds. A thriving economy, low gas prices, four day weekend and flood of new Airbnb and HomeAway vacation rentals will be contributing factors.
Hotels, Motels, Resorts and Campgrounds are already booked to capacity. Area restaurants and attractions will almost certainly be overwhelmed. Expect long lines and wait times of an hour or more.
Traffic on the Overseas Highway is anticipated to be heavy for the duration, but grind to a halt between the hours of 10am and 7pm on the actual holiday, as tourists attempt to leave the islands en masse.
THESE ARE OUR SURVIVAL SUGGESTIONS FOR LOCALS:
PLAN TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME
Avoid the traffic and long lines altogether. Invite friends, family and neighbors to your home for backyard or dockside cook-outs.
SHOP NOW FOR GROCERIES AND SUPPLIES
Stock up on everything you’ll need before the weekend. Make your grocery list. Fill your car/truck/boat with gas. Grab a back-up propane tank for the grill.
IF YOU HAVE TO WORK – CONSIDER ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION
If you work in the hospitality industry…you’ll be working this weekend! Seriously consider commuting to work by water. If you work at an ocean or bayside restaurant, marina, hotel, motel or resort…why not?
ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO LEAVE EARLY
If you’re entertaining out-of-town friends or family, encourage them to leave early. If they can stay for the fireworks and leave the following day – that’s great. If they can’t – plan accordingly. Encourage them to prepare for an early morning departure. Have them pack their bags the night before. Agree on an early wake-up time. Greet your guests with freshly brewed coffee and a continental breakfast. Serve fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, bagels and cream cheese. Say your good-byes and let them hit the road long before the parades and mass exodus begins.
FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES
Fireworks Show on Blackwater Sound
This year Key Largo’s annual Fireworks display will take place July 4th at 10pm.
Locals can view the spectacular by boat on Blackwater Sound or from the shoreline at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowners, Senior Frijoles, Cactus Jacks, the Caribbean Club and the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort. Reservations are suggested as seating will be limited. Contact the restaurants directly.
Marathon Beach Party & Fireworks Show
Patriotic activities in Marathon will begin at 10:30am with the annual parade proceeding from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach where a daylong celebration will feature food, drink, kids’ crafts and entertainment. The fireworks display begins just after dark. Locals can view the fireworks by boat in the waters off Sombrero Beach or from the shoreline at Sombrero Beach and nearby restaurants and marinas.
33rd Annual July 4 Beachfront Picnic and Fireworks Celebration
This year’s event benefits the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys Inc. The doors will open at 5pm at Casa Marina and the Waldorf Astoria Resort, for food, live music, beach dancing, family games, and a silent auction. The Fireworks begin at 9pm. The cost for adults is $25 and $15 per child ages 4-12. children 3 and under get in FREE. Also available are deluxe VIP beachfront seats priced at $150 per person with first-class service and a lavish buffet. Locals can also view the fireworks by boat in the waters just off-shore or from local beaches.
