Shooting the ‘works: Pinellas County July 4 celebrations

The big bam boom of fireworks displays will resonate far and wide in Pinellas County Saturday, as it’s not only the 4^th of July (hey, that worked out nicely) but the occasion of our country’s 250^th birthday.

So expect a little more pyro in this year’s pyrotechnics.

In St. Petersburg, as always, the main event happens on and around the St. Pete Pier. This year’s free event, cleverly titled The Fourth, includes a family-style festival (food trucks, Fun Zone, a marketplace, live music, roaming entertainers and the like) plus a beer garden for Mom and Dad. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m.

Fireworks over Tampa Bay commence at 9 p.m. and are delightfully viewable from just about every waterfront vantage point.

Due to the special anniversary occasion, according to a City issuance, “this year’s fireworks will double in scale and splendor.”

“Preferred VIP seating” on The Pier is available for a fee (click here).

In Clearwater’s Coachman Park, Clearwater Celebrates America begins Friday with live music (kicking off at 5 p.m.) and a laser light show at 9.

The fireworks head skyward at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, the event’s second day.

Both days (5-10 p.m.) include a children’s play area (check out “Mr. Brad” onstage at the BayCare Sound) and different sorts of entertainment (street performers, bands and DJs). And food and beverage trucks.

Both nights are free; find the full schedule at this link.

More Pinellas ‘works

Dunedin. Note: This event takes place Friday, July 3. “Hometown USA,” 6-9 p.m. at TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., family fun, film screening (Miracle), live music and more. Fireworks at 9:30.

St. Pete Beach. 5-9 p.m. Saturday in Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive). Family fun, food, and fireworks at 9.

Treasure Island. (Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd.) Fireworks at 9 p.m.

Madeira Beach. 5-9 p.m. Saturday in ROC Park (Madeira Beach Recreation Center), 200 Rex Place. Food, live music and more. Fireworks over Boca Ciega Bay at 9.

Largo. 6-9 p.m. Saturday in Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. Food, kids’ activities, market vendors. Fireworks at 9.

Gulfport. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with the opening of “The Spirit of ’76 Half Century Time Capsule” at Gulfport City Hall, then “Family Fun Day at Tomlinson Park” (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Fireworks over the waterfront, launched from Williams Pier, at 9 p.m.

Lealman. 6-9 p.m.  Saturday in Neri Park, 4300 Duval Park Road. DJ music, free hamburgers and hot dogs grilled and served by the Lealman Fire District, fireworks at 9.

Safety Harbor. The 17^th annual Holiday Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, on Main Street. 9 p.m. fireworks at Waterfront Park, 105 Veterans Memorial Lane.