FOURTH OF JULY

Fireworks safety For the first time in modern history, Floridians will be able to legally light off fireworks for the Fourth of July. (wft, wftv.com)From local theme parks to neighborhoods, there are plenty of places across Central Florida to look up on New Year’s Eve for fantastic fireworks displays. Here is your guide to Central Florida fireworks in the area. READ: How to watch ‘Groveland 4: Journey to Exoneration’Avalon ParkNew Year’s Eve fireworks over Avalaon Lake begin at midnight. Mount DoraFood, drinks and live music begin at 9 p.m. ahead of the fireworks at Sunset Park, 230 W. 4th Avenue.

Kevin Boyle examines how the decade upended Americans’ sense of stability.

Northern Lights FILE - Wade Kitner looks at the northern lights as he fishes in Ventura, Iowa, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. A fireworks show that has nothing to do with the Fourth of July and everything to do with the cosmos is poised to be visible across the northern United States and Europe just in time for the Halloween weekend, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. On Thursday, the sun launched what is called an “X-class solar flare" that was strong enough to spark a high-frequency radio blackout across parts of South America. The energy from that flare is trailed by a cluster of solar plasma and other material called a coronal mass ejection, or CME for short. But really it just means that a good chunk of the northern part of the country may get treated to a light show called the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

Flagler security officer shot up neighbor’s home while celebrating 4th of July, deputies sayFLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A man who works as an armed security officer has been arrested after firing multiple gunshot into his neighbor’s home while celebrating the Fourth of July, according to Flagler County deputies. Deputies were called to a home on Bridgehaven Drive in the evening after reports of several bullets being fired into the residence. Deputies said there were five adults and two young children in the home at the time of the shooting. Deputies found the gunshot came from a home on Bressler Lane and Jamal “Jay” Kariem Ne Jame was identified as the homeowner. Deputies said Ne Jame is a licensed security officer in Florida and has worked both armed and unarmed security.

Flagler County deputies say they’ve arrested a security officer who shot into a home with children inside while celebrating the Fourth of July.

The Florida company whose software was exploited in the devastating Fourth of July weekend ransomware attack, Kaseya, has received a universal key that will decrypt all of the more than 1,000 businesses and public organizations crippled in the global incident. Kaseya spokeswoman Dana Liedholm would not say Thursday how the key was obtained or whether a ransom was paid. Ransomware analysts offered multiple possible explanations for why the master key, which can unlock the scrambled data of all the attack's victims, has now appeared.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police released surveillance footage showing a hit-and-run crash on the Fourth of July hoping the public can help them identify the car and driver involved. READ: ‘It is heartbreaking’: 15-year-old fatally shot outside Ocoee home identifiedInvestigators said surveillance footage shows the driver stop the vehicle momentarily, back it up, and continue driving south, striking more cars and a woman who was standing next to her vehicle. Police said the woman’s leg was severely injured. Anyone with information on the crash, car or driver involved is asked to call Orlando Police Traffic Enforcement Unit directly at 407-246-2455 or the anonymous tip line, Crimeline, at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). READ: Orange County crafts ordinance to allow rentable scooters

The Orlando Police Department is looking for the driver of a red and black Camaro who hit a woman and several parked vehicles while downtown on the Fourth of July.

Departing the White House on Friday, President Biden responded to a reporter’s asking if he had a message to social media companies like Facebook regarding COVID-19 misinformation. Biden said, “They’re killing people,” and added, “The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated.”

The COVID-19 curve in the U.S. is rising again after months of decline, with the number of new cases per day doubling over the past three weeks, driven by the fast-spreading delta variant, lagging vaccination rates and Fourth of July gatherings. Confirmed infections climbed to an average of about 23,600 a day on Monday, up from 11,300 on June 23, according to Johns Hopkins University data. “It is certainly no coincidence that we are looking at exactly the time that we would expect cases to be occurring after the July Fourth weekend," said Dr. Bill Powderly, co-director of the infectious-disease division at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis.

If you’ve 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.

Biden administration reportedly 'running out of ideas' for boosting pace of vaccinations

White Sands National Parl Sand dunes and San Andres Mountains, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico. A hiker was found dead at White Sands National Park on Monday, July 5, 2021, after going missing on the Fourth of July. (Photo by: Greg Vaughn /VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Greg Vaughn/Universal Images Group via Getty)ALAMOGORDO, N.M — A hiker was found dead at White Sands National Park after going missing on the Fourth of July, multiple media outlets reported. >> Read more trending newsMinshew’s abandoned vehicle was found inside the park at around 11 p.m. Sunday, prompting a search by White Sands National Park rangers. New Mexico State Police were joined in the search by New Mexico Search and Rescue, United States Border Patrol and other agencies, the Daily News reported.

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Skip and Mikey Skippers were among three killed Sunday night in a head-on crash after the driver of another vehicle was driving the wrong way on County Road 523, according to troopers.

The call was one of three released Tuesday in connection with Kivlenieks' death, which police are investigating as an accident. Another female caller said: “Hey, we have someone who was hit by a fireworks. Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and tried to get clear with several other people when he was struck. In Michigan, consumer fireworks must meet CPSC standards. Low impact fireworks like sparklers, toy snakes, snaps, and poppers are also legal for sale and use.

A caller told a 911 dispatcher that Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was about to go into convulsions after he was struck in the chest with an errant Fourth of July fireworks mortar blast at a Michigan home.

Dozens of arrests were made in downtown Chicago on the Fourth of July after a crowd of young adults and juveniles launched fireworks at officers and danced on police cruisers.

NHL goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a freak accident on the Fourth of July when a firework blasted into his chest during a house party in Michigan.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is once again a hot destination for many travelers. Nearly 48 million people decided to take a trip this Fourth of July holiday. At Orlando International Airport alone, 1.5 million travelers were expected, which is triple to what we saw last year. That’s why the airport is urging people to come early and be patient as airline staffing numbers remain lower than in the past despite the spike in travelers. READ: Surfside condo collapse: Death toll rises to 27; 118 unaccounted forAirport officials said the traveler count may be out as early as Tuesday.

Beaches were packed with people enjoying the Fourth of July holiday on Monday but Volusia County Beach Safety says swimmers need to be aware of the conditions because the water can still get choppy.

No citations have been issued related to illegal fireworks, the Boise Fire Department said.

No suspects in the homicides have been identified, police said.

Live music, free watermelon, and apple pies made this Monday like no other for Independence Day.

A fireworks celebration in downtown Ocean City, Maryland was canceled after fireworks set for the city's Fourth of July celebration accidentally exploded.

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described Monday as a tragic accident on the Fourth of July. The 24-year-old Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and tried to get clear with several other people, police Lt. Jason Meier said. The fire department and EMTs got to the private home shortly after 10 p.m. and took Kivlenieks to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Meier said.

(Charlotte Fire Department)CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eleven people were displaced from their homes on the Fourth of July after fireworks sparked a blaze in northwest Charlotte, WSOC-TV reported. Medics evaluated people at the scene for smoke inhalation, WSOC reported. It caused an estimated $80,000 worth of damage, according to authorities. (@charlottefire) July 4, 2021Officials with the American Red Cross are helping the families that were displaced by the fire, WSOC reported. Afterward, fireworks should be dunked in water to ensure they are out before they are disposed, according to WSOC.

Two teenagers are dead after apparently exchanging gunfire that wounded three others at a downtown Cincinnati park where hundreds of teens were gathered late on the Fourth of July, police said. It's possible others were involved in the conflict Sunday at Smale Park, but police aren't searching for any other particular suspects, Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac said Monday. Sixteen-year-old Milo Watson died at the scene, and 19-year-old Dexter Wright Jr. died later at a hospital, police said.

Parramore Kidz Zone gets results for children in underserved neighborhoods.

The Fourth of July holiday is being marked with somber tones in South Florida, where a collapsed building has left at least 24 dead and more than 120 missing under rubble.

The annual parade was still on pause, but the park’s Fourth of July committee brought out carnival games, food trucks, art and music to bring an all-ages picnic to life after a year of social distancing.

The Fourth of July holiday was marked with somber tones in South Florida, where a collapsed building has left at least 24 dead and more than 120 missing under rubble. “July 4 is ordinarily a time to gather with our loved ones and to celebrate our freedom and our independence, and this year the holiday looks very different," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. A vigil was planned for Sunday night in Miami Beach for the victims of the fallen Champlain Towers South condominium complex in Surfside, Florida.

What started as a kids’ parade in the 1950s has become a city-wide attraction in the last few decades thanks to its multicultural approach and homegrown traditions.

The sun erupted with a surprise solar flare on Saturday (July 3), the largest since 2017, in an early explosion of cosmic fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July.

NEW YORK — (AP) — After a year lost to the coronavirus, New York City's most well-known Fourth of July traditions are back. The traditional Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show will be back in full form with a display over the East River, with shells being shot from five barges in a televised, choregraphed spectacle. The show will be broadcast live on NBC as part of a two-hour special featuring the Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic and Reba McEntire. The annual spectacle of gluttony that is the Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest is also once again welcoming live audiences to watch the epic chow down in Brooklyn. Last year, though, there were no spectators allowed as winner Joey Chestnut ate 75 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

While many Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July with a day off from work, astronauts at the International Space Station are spending their holiday preparing a cargo ship's return to Earth.

Tractor rider arrested Laurie Bostic was arrested on several charges after riding in a Fourth of July parade. (Rockwall County Sheriff's Office)ROCKWALL, Texas — A Texas woman riding a tractor was arrested Saturday after she refused to cooperate with officers and parade officials by joining a Fourth of July parade, authorities said. The woman then led police on a chase before she was arrested. She then fled on the tractor after officers tried to stop her because she was behaving dangerously, KTVT reported. “Officers were able to force her from the road, where she ran into a fence, disabling her tractor,” the department said in a statement.

Businesses rushed Saturday to contain a ransomware attack that has paralyzed their computer networks, a situation complicated in the U.S. by offices lightly staffed at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The Swedish State Railways and a major local pharmacy chain were also affected. Cybersecurity experts say the REvil gang, a major Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate, appears to be behind the attack that targeted a software supplier called Kaseya, using its network-management package as a conduit to spread the ransomware through cloud-service providers.

Friday night played host to the Eustis “Hometown Celebration” at Ferran Park.

An Orlando restaurant owner, while struggling to keep his own doors open, used donations to feed front-line heroes during the pandemic.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla — With the Fourth of July right around the corner, Orange County Fire Rescue and Orlando Health have teamed up to help keep kids safe when using fireworks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were approximately 10,000 firework-related injuries that were treated in U.S. hospitals in 2019. READ: 2 new billboards aim to help solve fatal Orange County hit-and-run crash that killed 19-year-oldMany injuries come from relatively “safe” fireworks like sparklers and fountains. In Florida, consumers can only purchase fireworks on specific holidays, Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. More information on fireworks safety can be found here.

Fireworks at the Fountain is returning to Lake Eola this Fourth of July weekend.

Happy Independence Day! Arguably the best day for fireworks is here.

Your drink of choice on the Fourth of July might be an ice-cold beer or the always-faithful White Claw, but in case you want to celebrate with a colorful cocktail, we’ve got a few recipes for you to add in some fun.

There is no better way to celebrate the red, white and blue than with red, white and blueberries, right?

We asked Washington Post readers how they chose to celebrate or ignore the Fourth of July. Here's what you responded.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A Florida man had a short fuse about the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. At about 3 a.m. EDT on June 25, the man could be heard screaming, “Firecracker, firecracker, boom,” the television station reported. “He seemed to be upset that people were celebrating early.”Warnecke decided to answer back while the man yelled, admonishing the man and telling him to “shut up.”“Bottle rocket! Yeah, it’s (expletive) annoying, isn’t it?” the man yelled. “Quit (expletive) doing it in the middle of the night.”“He’s definitely out there,” neighbor Phil Franzese told WBBH.

The year 2020 will forever be remembered as the year children and parents around the country were faced with a new learning system: virtual learning.

Tourism officials expect that this Independence Day weekend could draw the biggest crowds since the pandemic began, and possibly be one of the busiest travel weekends in years.

Holiday travel is rebounding from its COVID-19 pandemic slump and this Fourth of July, many of those travelers will be flocking to Orlando.

With Independence Day on the horizon, there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks. While it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.

The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and there is nothing better to do (or more American) than grilling up some meat and veggies while sipping on a cool beer or cocktail.

4th of July celebrations at Central Florida theme parks

Lots of rain is on the way.

Details on the Fourth of July celebrations in Lexington, Wilmore, Georgetown, Midway, Richmond, Berea and Versailles.

Fred Robinson says he was blessed to have joined the U.S. Marines along with his twin brother when they were 17 years old.

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An OPD lieutenant and civilian teamed up to make sure more than 800 Orlando police officers and staff had the necessary equipment to stay safe during the pandemic.

Fireworks at the Fountain is returning to Orlando and News 6 viewers will have more than a dozen ways to watch this Fourth of July.

Bar owner recognized for his role helping other owners navigate the pandemic.

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Here’s a list of places you can find fireworks in Central Florida. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m.Avalon Park will host its Fourth of July celebration on Sunday. The event starts at 5 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9 p.m.Baldwin Park will host its “Freedom Fest” on Sunday. The event starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m.©2021 Cox Media Group

When gyms closed and the world went into lockdown during the height of the pandemic, Orlando resident Andre Smart knew he had to stay active.

New national data shows a significant increase in fireworks-related injuries and deaths during the pandemic.

Jill Biden teamed up with former Dallas Cowboys great Emmitt Smith in the fight against COVID. Here’s what they had to say.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

Experts fear Americans may be in for a costly summer at the pump.

You may get sick of the rain, but we need it.

Orange County leaders are set to give an update on the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday afternoon.

A small business owner and nurse practitioner is being honored by News 6 for her commitment to getting 380 people in her community COVID-19 vaccines.

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband, said in Chicago Wednesday that as he’s traveled the country in recent months to talk up vaccination efforts he hasn’t once heard people talk about getting inoculated in political terms.

Firework celebrations are back this year for July 4th celebrations.

A major fireworks shortage is expected, making everything from sparklers to the big mortar shells hard to find.

An Orlando area sign language interpreter said she pushed through personal tragedy to help her community during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We need to think about a different vaccine delivery strategy to get the people who are still reluctant," Gottlieb said.

"We need to think about a different vaccine delivery strategy to get the people who are still reluctant," Gottlieb said.

Letters to the editor on having a Fourth of July parade in Boise, education task force, breaching dams, saving Murgoitio Park, camping with dogs and misleading COVID-19 statistics.

Walt Disney World announced Tuesday that fireworks will return to July 1 at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, just in time for the Fourth of July. “A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect ‘kiss goodnight’ at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more,” Disney said in a blog post. READ: Walt Disney World no longer requires face masks for fully vaccinated guestsAt Magic Kingdom, the Happily Ever After fireworks show, presented by Pandora Jewelry, will transform Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics “as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true,” Disney said. READ: Central Florida theme parks returning to normal following COVID-19 pandemic woesSee an announcement video below:The nighttime spectaculars have been on pause since the parks reopened last summer due to the pandemic. Fireworks will also return to Disneyland in California beginning July 4.

Flag Day is a day to celebrate the Stars and Stripes, but here are some things you may not know.

The decision on the Acosta Bridge in Jacksonville, Fla., which came after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a much-debated transgender girls sports ban on the first day of Pride Month, appears to have been reversed Wednesday amid mounting blowback.

All the states with the highest adult vaccination rates went to President Biden in the 2020 election. But the vaccine divide is not just about politics.

Fewer than half of adults have received the vaccine in some states.

The City of Clermont announced its Fourth of July event is returning after it was canceled last year due to COVID-19 pandemic.

After a year without Fireworks at the Fountain, the city of Orlando is bringing back the annual July 4th show.

Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday that establishes a new sales tax holiday named “Freedom Week.”The tax holiday, which is set for the week of the Fourth of July, will cover sales tax for things ranging from concert and movie tickets to state park annual passes and camping equipment. According to a news release by the Florida Senate, here’s what’s covered under the Freedom Week sales tax holiday from July 1-7:Events: Purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2021, will be tax free. Camping supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights. General outdoor supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellent; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles. Sports equipment: The tax holiday applies to any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less.

The Fourth of July fireworks show will return to New Smyrna Beach this year, according to the city commission.

Looking forward to 2022, the City of Altamonte Springs announced Wednesday its Red Hot & Boom fireworks show will be canceled for the second year in a row.

More than 56% of American adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but demand has dropped off.

DEBARY, Fla. – Like most cities, DeBary canceled last year’s Fourth of July celebration because of the pandemic but this year city leaders said they’re bringing it back. Despite the pandemic, the city has still held popular events, some at limited capacity and others with normal size crowds. Each year the city spends about $35,000 on the event and a citizens’ group raises money for the rest. Ad“We have credit for that towards this year because we did not use the fireworks,” said Chasez. Monitoring the pandemic trends, she said they will determine whether all vendors can be there this year.

GROVELAND – The City of Groveland didn't host a big Fourth of July celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it did put on two dueling fireworks displays for residents to watch safely from their own homes. “In previous years, our tradition has been to gather for the best things the Fourth of July in Groveland has to offer: food, fun and fireworks,” Wilson wrote. They pinpointed two secret locations where they could set off the fireworks so everyone in the city can watch from their homes. The city estimates more than 21,000 people will enjoy the dueling fireworks display safely from their front porch or backyard. As the fireworks went up in Groveland, the same could not be said through much of Central Florida.

Hours into the Fourth of July holiday, New Smyrna Beach reached capacity. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Downtown Orlando is usually bustling on Friday nights, but since bars shutdown following a surge of coronavirus cases statewide, it’s a standstill. The Orlando resident said because it’s all in an effort to be safe, he is OK with the eerie emptiness. When they’re going out and interacting during the Fourth of July, in a way they may not have been for Memorial Day,” DeSantis said. “I just hope that we have learned from Memorial Day, and we are ready to celebrate the Fourth of July,” Dr. Pino said. Health experts said data indicates Memorial Day celebrations may have contributed to the jump in coronavirus cases.

GROVELAND, Fla. – The City of Groveland isn’t hosting a big Fourth of July celebration because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is putting on two dueling fireworks displays for residents to watch safely from their own homes. “In previous years, our tradition has been to gather for the best things the Fourth of July in Groveland has to offer: food, fun and fireworks. "Our mayor and council were very adamant on providing something to celebrate the Fourth of July for our residents," Tremaine said. They pinpointed two secret locations where they can set off the fireworks so everyone in the city can watch from their homes. The city estimates more than 21,000 people will enjoy the dueling fireworks display safely from their front porch or backyard.

Health officials concerned about spike in fireworks-related injuriesPublished: July 3, 2020, 8:40 amMany fireworks shows around the country have been canceled because of the pandemic. Health officials are concerned there will be a spike in fireworks-related injuries with people putting on their own displays. Here’s a look at some fireworks safety tips.

Coronavirus cases still climbing ahead of Fourth of July holidayPublished: July 1, 2020, 4:50 pmNews 6 takes a closer look at the number of coronavirus cases in Florida ahead of Fourth of July weekend.

Penumbral eclipseA penumbral lunar eclipse isn’t as exciting and definitely not as noticeable as a total lunar eclipse. When the moon completely moves through the earth’s shadow it is known a total lunar eclipse. The penumbral lunar eclipse starts at 11:07 p.m. and lasts until 1:52 a.m. Planets galoreThrough the middle of July, the planets will continue to put on a show in the morning sky. The evening star will now rise in the morning joining Jupiter, Saturn and Mars through the month.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Many cities in Central Florida have canceled or rescheduled Fourth of July fireworks shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Orlando has also canceled the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show, the show would have been held at Lake Eola. Deltona postponed the city’s fireworks show and have moved the show to Labor Day weekend in September. New Smyrna Beach has also postponed the city’s fireworks show. DeLand is considering rescheduling the city’s fireworks show.