Start making your plans now for this coming Fourth of July weekend! Here's a link to events happening all over South Florida, including Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, courtesy of the Sun Sentinel newspaper.

In Central Florida, check out the events going on all day long at Lakefront Park in Kissimmee. It's a family event for sure with multiple stages of entertainment, karaoke, lots of food, arts & crafts, a water-ski show and huge fireworks display. You can also see fireworks at Universal's City Walk, SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and Celebration, Florida, to name a few!

In Jacksonville Beach, watch the amazing fireworks from the Jacksonville Fishing Pier in the annual July Liberty Celebration.

Pensacola has the largest display in the area in Seville right over Pensacola Bay. Events will happen all day long beginning at 11 a.m. and going through the fireworks display set to music at 9 p.m. This one is really amazing!

Amelia Island has it going on, too, with its Stars & Stripes Freedom Festival in Fernandina. The festival takes place at Amelia Island’s Central Park and is an all-day affair with fun for every member of your family.

St. Augustine has one of the largest shows on the East Coast, and you can be there. The fireworks sparkle and boom right above Castillo de San Marcos and the reflection in the bay is stunning! Admission is free. Some of the best places for viewing are the Bridge of Lions or right along the bayfront.

Brevard has a great July 4th celebration with a bike parade, kids' activities and fireworks at Brevard College at 9:30 p.m. 

Panama City Beach has its Star Spangled Spectacular scheduled at Pier Park from 12 - 9 p.m. on July 4, 2009. Family fun includes free concerts, fun and fireworks. Country Star Mark Chesnutt performs at 7:30 and fireworks follow.

On the Gulf Coast near Tampa, the town of Brandon is having its Independence Day bash at the Westfield Brandon Mall from 11 a.m.-9pm. They'll have live music, a rib competition and fireworks.

Clearwater Celebrates America! Just go to Coachman Park from 4 - 10 p.m. The festivities will include family-friendly activities and one of Tampa's biggest fireworks displays.

Have a safe, happy July 4th.

Jill Martin, Family Travel Expert, VISIT FLORIDA

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