Excitement is growing as we get closer to nightfall and several fireworks celebrations across Central Florida.

Security and traffic are the top concerns at events, like Red Hot and Boom in Altamonte Springs where a crowd of over 150,000 will gather for this afternoon's concert and tonight's fireworks at Cranes Roost Park.

With the FBI’s warning over raised concerns of terror attacks at Fourth of July events this weekend, crews and emergency responders are busy preparing for the event.

Officials said while there is no specific threat targeting Red Hot & Boom, they are ready for anything.

Charles Green, who lives nearby was the first to arrive, around 7:30 a.m Friday. For the past 7 years, he says he has been first, to make sure he and his friends and family get a great view of the music and fireworks.

"Well, get a good seat and so to avoid the crowds bringing stuff out and obviously it's right in front of the stage here, so it's probably the best seat in the house," said Green.

Lydia Devia and her family were also out scouting out the best spot at the Red Hot & Boom. All so the kids get the best view.

“We wanna see a lot of people, togetherness, and fireworks and the feeling of America is great and beautiful,” Devia said.

And that’s what law enforcement wants to see too, with the help of the public.

“We’re saying no drones, no glass, no coolers, no pets, no fireworks,” Officer Robert Pelton with the Altamonte Springs Police Department said. “Other than that bring a great attitude, brings lots of water and the sunscreen.”

But behind the scenes, emergency responders are already planning, investigating and preventing any problems. 

“We’re monitoring weather, we’re monitoring traffic conditions, any threats to the areas, hospital saturation levels so we know where to transport patients if we have to,” Alan Harris, the Seminole County Emergency Manager said. “We absolutely monitor social media.”

And that’s so the 150,000 people can safely enjoy the food, music, fireworks and time with family and friends.

As you can imagine, with that many people cramming into this park, traffic and parking will be an issue.

Know before you go: Traffic for Red Hot and Boom

The city of Altamonte Springs has released a list of traffic tips, including suggested routes. The city is urging people to take a look at the map below to plan alternative routes in and out of Cranes Roost Park, and be patient.

"Sometimes, it's better to take the longer route around the most congested areas before heading toward your final destination," the city said in its release.

Cranes Roost Boulevard is closed between Shorecrest Drive and Festival Drive from 7 a.m. until midnight on Friday. Festival Drive is closed between the Altamonte Mall Loop and Central Parkway Friday from 7 a.m. until midnight.

Also, a good thing to know -- the city said the fireworks usually end around 10 p.m. and most traffic routes are flowing normally around 11:30 p.m. So it might be worth taking your time before trying to leave the park.


Map courtesy of Altamonte Springs.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS

  • If you live west of I-4, consider taking Central Parkway to Montgomery Rd.
  • If you live east of I-4, you will not be able to directly cross SR436 between Palm Springs Dr. and I-4 and left turns will be slow. Consider going to Boston Ave. or Maitland Ave. and making a right turn.

ORLANDO

  • SR 436 from Altamonte Mall to I-4 is very crowded. Getting onto I-4 will take even more time.
  • SR 436 to Maitland Ave. and 17-92 are less crowded. Consider taking Maitland Ave. to Maitland Blvd. to I-4 or taking 17-92 all the way to Orlando.
  • Central Parkway from Altamonte Mall to Montgomery Rd. to SR 434 to I-4 is less crowded, and getting onto I-4 will be easier than at SR 436. It might seem out of the way, but depending on where you park, it will probably be quicker.

MAITLAND/WINTER PARK

  • Going east on SR 436 toward Casselberry is limited to traffic coming off Palm Springs Dr. and from areas on the south side of SR 436, so plan where you park.
  • Consider taking SR 436 to Maitland Ave. or 17-92 and then south to your destination.

SANFORD/DELTONA/DAYTONA BEACH

  • SR 436 from Altamonte Mall to I-4 is very crowded. Getting onto I-4 will take more time.
  • Central Parkway from Altamonte Mall to Montgomery Rd. to SR 434 to I-4 is less crowded, and getting onto I-4 will be easier than at SR 436.

LONGWOOD/WINTER SPRINGS

  • Palm Springs northbound to SR 434 is very crowded. Central Parkway to Montgomery Rd. to SR 434 may be a better option.
  • Central Parkway to Montgomery Rd. to SR 434 may be better for those living west of I-4 in unincorporated Seminole County.
  • SR 436 to 17-92 is probably better if you are going toward Winter Springs or Oviedo.

APOPKA/WEST ORANGE COUNTY

  • SR 436 is very crowded from Altamonte Mall to I-4.
  • Consider taking Central Parkway to Montgomery Road to SR 436.
  • If you are forced east on SR 436, go to Maitland Ave., then south to Maitland Blvd., then back west to SR 441.