When it comes to enjoying the Fourth of July in Flagler Beach, you'll find everything from a 5K race, a parade, a street party and then the fireworks show to end the night.
It's a long day for a city that's small on staff.
And so, the head of the city's police department has some advice for visitors: "Don't drink and drive — (that's) No. 1," Capt. Matt Doughney said. "Be safety conscious. If you see something, say something. And the other big one is please come here, enjoy yourself and leave your footprints in the sand. Please don't dump all your trash over the beautiful beach."
Drones won't be banned at the beach for the holiday weekend, but Doughney asks owners and operators to keep them at home. There will be a helicopter overhead to help with safety and traffic, and the last thing law enforcement officials want is for the helicopter to be forced to land because of drones.
Veterans Park will also be a popular spot. That's where the First Friday events will take place Friday, July 3. The lot will then be used for July 4 activities.
- For a list of Fourth of July weekend events and traffic patterns, go to the Flagler Beach Police Department's website.
Alcohol and animals aren't allowed in the Veterans Park area — something police say will be enforced this year.
Tom Gillin, who is the head of the city's parks and recreation department, said he's relieved Fourth of July hits on a Saturday this year.
"They sort of stretch out the weekend, and we end up with a four- or five-day weekend," Gillin said, talking about when the holiday lands in the middle of the week.
Parking spaces, as usual, will be at a premium — especially later in the day.
Crews from Fireworks by Santore were out at the Flagler Beach Pier on Thursday prepping for Saturday's show.
"You're going to get a better view on the beach than you are going to be up here on the pier," said Mark Ferguson, of Fireworks by Santore. "Obviously, you're not going to be allowed on the pier, but you'll be able to see it for miles in any direction."
After the last shell explodes Saturday night, you can expect Sunday to be kind of quiet.
"I see people a lot more laid back," Gillin said. "I think they're tired from the day before, but it'll still be a busy beach day."