JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Firework shows across Northeast Florida lit up the skies for Independence Day.
Tons of people packed areas like St. Augustine, downtown Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach to watch the spectacular shows that lasted roughly 20 minutes.
Locals and visitors in St. Augustine claimed their spots along the Matanzas River. People came as early as 3 p.m. to snag a spot.
“You can always get a good spot if you come out early. If you don’t, you’re kind of stuck on the other side of the road,” Jeffrey Allsop said.
On Jacksonville’s Riverside, people weren’t solely entertained by the fireworks. There was a pie-eating contest, live music and food trucks galore.
“Got some good food trucks, a pie eating contest and activities for the kids,” Clark Moore said.
Brittany Moore was visiting from Australia and got to experience a piece of American heritage.
"It’s really nice. For us, we’re here on a special mission from Australia to have treatment done. So, it’s a nice opportunity for us to experience what Americans do on July 4th because we’ve never done that before,” Moore said.
Many people appreciated city leaders’ efforts to create a fun environment for holiday celebrations.
“One of the things I love is the platform the City of Jacksonville has provided for our family to come here. What’s unique about it is my babies are also French Canadian, so it’s an opportunity for them to experience every bit of their culture and it’s free,” one man told News4JAX.
On the opposite side of town, beachgoers chose to watch the fireworks with the sand between their toes.
William Peterson credited the “scenery” as more than enough reason to make his way to Jacksonville Beach.
“We got the beach; we stay cool and see fireworks,” Peterson said.
He also said it’s a bonus because although it’s a large crowd, it doesn’t feel as congested.
Several people loved all the shows, stating they were ready to see the fireworks displays next year.
“It’s a great moment to share with my family. It’s patriotic. It’s fun,” one person told News4JAX.