Palm Bay Will Not Host Traditional Independence Day Celebration Event
Palm Bay, FL – In order to adhere to the guidelines in Governor DeSantis’ multi-phase Plan for Florida’s Recovery, the City of Palm Bay has decided to cancel the annual Independence Day Celebration event scheduled for July 4th, 2020 at the Palm Bay campus of Eastern Florida State College.
Each year, the City-led event draws thousands of attendees for a day of family-friendly activities, food trucks, music, and a fireworks display to celebrate the birth of our Nation; however, an event of this size poses difficulties ensuring proper social distancing and sanitization. In consideration of the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Florida, the desire to maintain public safety has prompted the City to make the difficult decision to cancel the annual Independence Day Celebration.
At a time when our community is coping with the daily challenges presented by COVID-19, the City recognizes the importance of preserving annual events and traditions. While the Independence Day Celebration cannot take place as planned, we look forward to the time when we can all gather together safely once again for large community events.
On July 4th and 5th, the City of Palm Bay will offer free “drive-in” movie screenings of National Treasure (rated PG) at 8:30pm behind the Ted Whitlock Community Center in Fred Poppe Regional Park located at 1951 Malabar Road NW. Following the movie, a fireworks show set to music will be shown on the big screen to celebrate Independence Day. The screenings are part of a summer movie series hosted by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department that are designed to comply with social distancing guidelines. Guests will have the option to enjoy the film from their vehicle in an assigned parking space or from reserved 8’x8′ “family spaces” on the lawn that will accommodate a blanket and chairs for picnic-style viewing. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Attendees must pre-register for the event by calling (321) 952-3231.
This Independence Day, we hope the public will join the leaders and employees of the City of Palm Bay in celebrating our Nation’s birthday safely from home or at our socially distant outdoor movie screening.
