DC promises a 'very, very robust' police presence to maintain public safety over July 4 holiday
With a flood of visitors and tourists expected, officials in the nationโs capital are mobilizing additional police officers and dozens of teams of civilian peacekeepers in an attempt to keep rising violent crime rates from marring the holiday weekend.
First responders amp up security to ensure safe fourth of July beach day
Jacksonville beaches were filled with tens of thousands of people hitting the sand and the surf to celebrate Independence Day on Monday. People came from all over to soak up the sun, which means extra lifeguards, police and firefighters working to ensure everyone stayed safe.
Heavy police presence expected on water for 4th of July weekend to improve safety
The roadways in Northeast Florida wonโt be the only place people will see a beefed-up police presence for the Fourth of July weekend. Law enforcement will also pay extra attention to the waterways as part of Operation Dry Water.
![What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/5l2sze0nual2dKSWiKfxo6FrT0g=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/OQWICMF2BVFAFKCX2X7DUYQAZU.jpg)
What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?
If youโve been scrolling around on social media this month, then you may have noticed that over the Fourth of July weekend, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was riding on some sort of wakeboard on a lake with an American flag in tow.
![Timing will be everything for outdoor plans](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/05ObLtYtj06ngeooZ1lGpZNzxcY=/736x404/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/B52C4DL7VJDZLFNWFU3VQ6Q5EA.png)
Timing will be everything for outdoor plans
Deep tropical moisture continues to hang over the area. The result has been for days and days of off and on downpours. Rainfall amounts have been heavy for some (greater than 3โณ) whereas most places have seen just the constant anytime threat, along with an actual downpour. Like Friday, we will see a shift in these conditions. Subtle but important.
![St. Johns County prepares for Labor Day beach crowds](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/Xn6XmS_ofNHi7vL-n6ve3NqAaW4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/H7KQBEXXRJBMTHMFHL2MM6FWCU.png)
St. Johns County prepares for Labor Day beach crowds
ST. JOHNS, Fla. This labor day weekend will look much different than Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. St. Johns County is getting ready for all the people expected to visit the beaches. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times at county beaches. St Johns County is gearing up for the influx of people expected to hit the beach. St. Johns County is offering a free shuttle service from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday, weather permitting.
![Jacksonville has deadly weekend with multiple shootings](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/GG5BnFrwNyjXRYdcbK3r5MGrpvM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-06-2020/t_0c57ac00ee4e49eb9f0490d75d2a3bd9_name_image.jpg)
Jacksonville has deadly weekend with multiple shootings
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. โ It was a violent Fourth of July weekend for the River City. We now have details about two deadly Jacksonville shootings that happened within 90 minutes of each other on Sunday, and a third that happened Sunday evening. The second happened on Broadway Avenue, where police found a man shot to death in a yard. Sundayโs shootings follow multiple shootings that happened on Friday and Saturday. In total, 10 people in Jacksonville were injured or killed in shootings this weekend.
![St. Johns County fireworks store sees boom in sales](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/R-LIAPvr9gz8oOJ38hHAeONRUPk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-29-2020/t_5c10d5dd809b47c986ba3dc5b1d6e6f5_name_image.jpg)
St. Johns County fireworks store sees boom in sales
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. โ With the Fourth of July right around the corner and social distancing still a major concern, many counties have canceled or postponed their firework shows. Candice Bryant, general manager of Phantom Fireworks off County Road 210, told News4Jax the store has seen a climb in sales over the last week. RELATED: St. Johns County COVID-19 cases nearly double in a weekAaron Lundy and his family walked the aisles of Phantom Fireworks Monday afternoon, looking for the perfect fireworks display. Tony Fiano, who lives in St. Johns County, wants to make sure the holiday still spreads joy despite these trying times. And with the increase in sales, the store is doing its best to keep the shelves full.
![By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowds](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/zNErkV13niXM01BJF-mi5X1FsWk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-28-2020/t_016ff242d93848f8a90406f991784bce_name_image.jpg)
By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowds
By launching 4th of July fireworks from 6 spots, city hopes to spread out crowdsPublished: June 28, 2020, 6:43 pmMayorโs chief of staff says itโs more important than ever to have something for people to look forward to
![Nassau County prohibits professional fireworks for 4th of July](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/SGXNZ0lIXkSdHKKe7qaztx9YuDk=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RKBUF7JTANCYXOZVN7J7VZNFPA.jpg)
Nassau County prohibits professional fireworks for 4th of July
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. โ Nassau County has issued an executive order prohibiting professional fireworks in the county, including for the Fourth of July. According to the executive order, which was signed Saturday by County Manager Michael Mullin, the ban does not include fireworks on a private residential property. READ: Nassau County Executive Order No. 15The order shows the county is prohibiting professional fireworks this year because the increase of COVID-19 cases in Nassau County and the state โcauses concerns for activities that increase public gatherings.โA violation of the order is considered to be a second-degree misdemeanor, and anyone who violates it could face a $500 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail.
![Karim Zabaneh crowned winner of โOh Say Can You Singโ competition](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/L82RVMeefKbQdd7g208VAQZ0zEI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-26-2020/t_36b24d7b4ba44e9798b8ac254bb445cb_name_image.jpg)
Karim Zabaneh crowned winner of โOh Say Can You Singโ competition
Four talented singers competed Thursday night in the โOh Say Can You Singโ finale at 1904 Music Hall, for a chance to sing the national anthem just before the fireworks display over the St. Johns River on the Fourth of July. At the end of the night, Karim Zabaneh was crowned the winner! In addition to singing the national anthem during Channel 4โฒs โRed, White and Boomโ special, Zabaneh receives a $500 prize. Like most annual events and milestones that should have happened for the past few months, the 2020 โOh Say Can You Singโ contest was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike previous years, open audition calls that usually created long lines at local malls and gathering places had to be moved online.
![4th of July fireworks are on in Jacksonville](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/jVyie5kCtVxv-t2oMi5rzHifOEo=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LMCVXRPYEZE63NVODCGDJJCDQM.jpg)
4th of July fireworks are on in Jacksonville
JACKSOVILLE, Fla. โ Mayor Lenny Curry announced Thursday that not only will the city put on its normal Fourth of July fireworks display over the St. Johns River, but Jacksonville will also provide fireworks in other parts of town to ensure people can celebrate the nationโs birthday without congregating downtown. โThis year weโre looking to make it bigger, better and safer,โ Curry said. As we do every year, News4Jax will televise and stream the cityโs fireworks spectacular as well as others around Northeast Florida, although those will be in short supply this year. Jacksonville Beach postponed its Independence Day fireworks show to New Years Eve. St. Augustine canceled its display, but more recently decided to reconsider that decision as the event gets closer.
![Jacksonville Beach officials decide to postpone 4th of July fireworks](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/GFCQ7HavMtlRHcGQJ1rcYw6EBIM=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-02-2020/t_e2c4ac3b9a1e4419bc0ff1731ab981a1_name_image.jpg)
Jacksonville Beach officials decide to postpone 4th of July fireworks
JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. โ Jacksonville Beach leaders decided Monday to postpone the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. Staffopolous said other communities in Florida are also choosing to cancel or postpone the Fourth of July events. Evanoff said even though sheโll miss the fireworks this year she understands the reason for postponing. โItโs definitely another impact, another thing we have to lose out on but we have to do it for the community to be safe,โ Evanoff said. Jacksonville and St. Augustine are still debating their fireworks decisions.
![Cancellation of 4th of July fireworks still up in the air](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/jeYA4MBZSgYk9LeK8-wcAGoacAE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DBCLPDMB6BDZPDKKJP7ZJ6BACM.jpg)
Cancellation of 4th of July fireworks still up in the air
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. โ The city of St. Augustine addressed concerns over whether or not the annual Fourth of July Fireworks display will be held this year amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Special City Commission meeting was held Monday night where they decided to cancel the fireworks celebration based on a presentation from City Manager John Regan about similar firework cancellations in neighboring communities. Regan then issued an apology Tuesday for presenting inaccurate information about decisions from Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach. โI presented information regarding the City of Jacksonville Beach and the City of Daytona Beach fireworksโ celebration that was not fully vetted for accuracy. Flagler Beach has cancelled their fireworks and parade,โ Regan said.