MIAMI
Starting in my backyard, Coconut Grove will feature a full-day affair of festivities. There is something for everyone, young and old. The day kicksoff at 11am with an old-fashioned picnic at the Barnacle Historic State park (3485 Main Highway. Admission is $5 for individuals 12 and an older.

No excuse not to get some physical exercise. Join the lawn games, kite making and knot-tying demonstrations.

Can't wait for Halloween to unleash your creativity? Attendees are encouraged to dress up in clothing from the time period of our independence and bring a picnic lunch.

Enjoy solving puzzles? At 3:15pm join the Scavenger Hunt at the Bull sculpture at the Mayfair Passage on Grand Avenue near Mary Street.

Art Lovers can head over to the Antique Marketplace.

How much do you love to eat? How much do you love hot dogs? Show off your eating prowess at the gourmet hot dog eating contest at 4:30pm in front of CocoWalk (hot dogs donated by Pommes & Pane Cafe, 3015 Grand Avenue).

A prelude to the fireworks is ta free concert at the Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road.

The sounds of jazz will lead up to the fireworks around 9pm. Just find a clearing from the gove trees and look up to the sky.


ST. AUGUSTINE
SAND SCULPTING CLASSES AT ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH
Come learn how to make great sandcastles. In preparation for the City of St. Augustine Beach’s 50th Birthday sand sculpting contest on November 7, there will be sand sculpting classes for kids of all ages the first Saturday of every month through October. These family-fun instructional sessions take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the beach in front of Ocean Trace Ramp at St. Augustine Beach . The classes are free and open to the public. For more information, call 904.501.1253 or email Melissa@citygateproductions.com, or visit http://www.50thbeachbirthday.com/.

PINE SNAKES, HORSESHOE CRABS and RED KNOTS
Visit the GTM Environmental Education Center and join Research Reserve Visitor Services Specialist Jake Fitzroy at 11 a.m. for an informative presentation about the Pine Snake. Also, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., the movie Crash: A Tale of Two Species will be shown. This film portrays the fascinating relationship between horseshoe crabs and the red knot, a small shorebird that schedules its 10,000 mille annual migration to coincide with the spawning of the crabs in Delaware Bay . The GTM Environmental Education Center is located at 505 Guana River Road , approximately 8 miles north of Vilano Beach in Ponte Vedra South. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 10-17, children under 10 free. For more information, call 904.823.4500.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Have a blast at one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks shows! The spectacular fireworks burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos and reflect in the waters of Matanzas Bay . The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a free, patriotic concert by the All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitucion. At 9:30 p.m., the 20-minute fireworks show blasts into the night sky to the accompaniment of a stirring soundtrack of great patriotic music simulcast on WFOY/1240-AM. Admission is free with the best vantage points located along the bayfront between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions . For more details, call 904.825.1004.

4TH OF JULY ABOARD THE VICTORY III
Hop aboard St. Augustine Scenic Cruises’ Victory III for the best seats in town for the Oldest City ’s 2009 fireworks display on Matanzas Bay . The Victory III will begin boarding at 8:15 p.m. and depart the City Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited advance ticket purchase required. For more information or to order your tickets, call 904.824.1806 ext 210, or go to: http://www.scenic-cruise.com/

4th OF JULY AT SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY
Sip on award-winning Florida wines and listen to great music while watching a star-spangled display of July 4th fireworks above the skyline of the Nation’s oldest city. The San Sebastian Winery’s Cellar Upstairs, 157 King Street , will host a festive holiday atmosphere throughout the evening. From 2 to 5 p.m., Sentropolis, will be performing funk and hard groove tunes and from 7 to 11 p.m. The Committee will entertain guests with a mix of R&B, funk and jazz. Admission to The Cellar Upstairs is free! For more information, call 904.826.1594 or visit http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/.

4TH OF JULY ROOFTOP CELEBRATION AT THE WHITE ROOM
Come celebrate our nation’s independence at the grand opening of The White Room’s Loft and Rooftop and enjoy the fireworks with the best view in town while dancing the night away. Throughout the evening, live entertainment from jazz and American classics will be performed. Dinner package is $50 and includes buffet dinner and open bar from 7-10 p.m. (RSVP only). The party package is $30 (cash only at the door) begins at 9 p.m. and includes an open bar until midnight (cash bar after). The White Room is located on the third floor of 1 King Street in St. Augustine . For more information, reservations for the Dinner Package or pre-payment for the Party Package, call 904.824.9056.

4th OF JULY ABOARD THE BLACK RAVEN
Come aboard if ye dare for a blast of a good time aboard the Black Raven. The Black Raven will be departing from the St. Augustine Marina for a sail about the Matanzas Bay for this year’s spectacular fireworks display. Boarding is at 8 p.m. and the Raven departs at 8:15 p.m. Tickets, which includes light snacks and a beer or wine are $55 per person. For more information and reservations call 877.578.5050 or 904.826.0000 or visit http://www.blackravenadventures.com/.

4TH OF JULY TOP OF THE LIGHTHOUSE
Celebrate the 4th of July at the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse with a magnificent view of the skyline and the fireworks. This memorable event begins with a sunset view. Then when darkness sets…… spectacular fireworks! Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited. For reservations call 904.829.0745 ext. 207. For more information, visit http://www.staugustinelighthouse.com/.

Tell us which Florida city this year has the best celebration and/or fireworks! Send me an email to christine.michaels@yahoo.com and send in your pictures or video and I'll feature it on this blog!!! Be sure to leave a contact email or phone number. Deadline is July 11, 2007