Celebrate the Fourth

There's nothing like sitting in the sand at night and watching the sky light up in shimmering bursts of color over the waterfront to underscore the meaning of "bombs bursting in air.”

In St. Petersburg/Clearwater, the Fourth of July experience is even more spectacular because you can see fireworks shows all up and down the beaches from a single spot in the sand.

And local towns know how to throw whopping birthday parties leading up to the nighttime show. Several have day-long or even two-day celebrations with live music, food and family games.

Here are some spots to enjoy the Fourth:

St. Petersburg: The Pier and North Straub Park are centers of activity, with live music, face painting and food vending beginning at 2 p.m. A 21-minute fireworks display over Tampa Bay begins at 9 p.m. Other great viewing areas are Vinoy, North Shore and Albert Whitted parks. (727-

821-6443, www.stpetepier.com) Arrive early for parking. The monthly Get Downtown jazz festival begins at 5:30 p.m. on Central Avenue between Second and Third Streets. (727-393-3597)

Historic Gulfport: The party starts early (8 a.m.) with a kids' fishing derby in the cozy town of Gulfport. The waterfront fun continues with a sandcastle-building contest, kids' patriotic costume contest, car/truck/motorcycle shows, live music, food, arts and crafts, community parade and fireworks show over Boca Ciega Bay at 9 p.m. (727-892-1067)

St. Pete Beach: Just past sunset on two consecutive nights, you can see fireworks shot off over the Gulf. On the 4th, fireworks will be set off from a barge behind the beach at the County Beach Access Park, and on the 5th, they will be launched from behind the TradeWinds Resort.

Treasure Island: Catch the fireworks show at 9 p.m. from famous John's Pass between Treasure Island and Madeira Beach. Gators Cafe & Saloon and John's Pass Boardwalk are ideal viewing areas.

Largo: DJs playing hits, kids' games and food vending begin at 7 p.m. in Largo Central Park (101 Central Park Drive), and fireworks are set for 9 p.m. Parking is limited, so it's a good idea to walk or carpool. (727-587-6740)

Safety Harbor: This quaint bayside town renowned for its natural springs begins its holiday celebration at 5 p.m. with local musicians and kids' activities. The fireworks show is at 9 p.m. and is best viewed from the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. (727-724-1555)

Clearwater: Acclaimed national jazz acts take the stage on day one (July 3) of this popular two-day celebration, which also includes arts and crafts, food and drink. Music starts at 4 p.m. both days in downtown Coachman Park. Friday's events culminate with an orchestra performance and fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. (727-562-4700) You can also catch a fireworks show at Bright House Field after the Clearwater Threshers game July 3. (727-467-4457)

Tarpon Springs: Fireworks begin at dusk July 4. Fred Howard Park at 1700 Sunset Drive is the best place to view the show in this Greek fishing village. There's also a separate picnic event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Craig Park.

Dunedin: The fun starts on the holiday's eve (July 3) in this small Scottish-influenced town. Live music and food service begin at 7 p.m. at Knology Park (home of the Dunedin Blue Jays), and a fireworks show set to music is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. (727-733-9302) Afterwards, runners and walkers take to the streets near the Dunedin Causeway for the 29th annual Kiwanis Morton Plant Mease Midnight Run. (http://kiwanismidnightrun.com) On our country's birthday, enjoy America's pastime and take the family to a baseball game; the Blue Jays take on the Clearwater Threshers at noon.