By Raelin Storey

   HOLLYWOOD – The Hollywood Beach & Broadwalk will sparkle once again as the City celebrates the nation’s 233rd birthday on Saturday, July 4, 2009 with a Star Spangled Spectacular sponsored by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts and the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency-Beach District.  This annual event features entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening at the Johnson Street Beach Theater, plus a dazzling fireworks display beginning at 9:00 p.m. 

   This much anticipated celebration occurs during the prime nesting season for sea turtles.  Recently, the federal government also adopted new protections for certain species of corals that are part of the reef structures a few hundred feet from the shoreline of our Broward County beaches.  In granting the marine permits for this year’s July 4th firework’s display, the Coast Guard asked the City of Hollywood to help the public understand what they can do to prevent any potential impacts to endangered species or critical habitat while still enjoying the fireworks show.  

   If you plan to stake out a spot on the sand to watch the fireworks, keep in mind sea turtles nesting habits can be impacted by light sources.  Refrain from using flashlights, and remember personal fireworks and sparklers are not allowed on the beach and will be confiscated by Hollywood Police.  This is not just better for sea turtles; it’s a matter of safety for all visitors to the beach.  If you do come across a sea turtle nest, you should not disturb it.  Knowingly interfering with a sea turtle nest could result in civil or even criminal penalties and fines.

   If you are planning to view the fireworks from a boat offshore, it’s important to take particular care not to anchor on a coral reef.  If you are unsure, the safest bet is to avoid anchoring altogether and keep your vessel under your control by using the engines.  If you do decide to anchor in critical elkhorn/staghorn coral habitat areas, you must be sure it is over sandy bottom free from coral or Johnson’s sea grass. The Hollywood Police Department Marine unit will be on hand to assure boaters do not anchor in restricted areas and that they keep a safe distance from the fireworks barge.   Boaters also need to keep a look-out for endangered species especially sea turtles and manatees.  This means traveling at safe speeds to avoid striking any marine mammal or turtle.  Any collisions or injuries to endangered species need to be reported immediately to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC.

   When the fireworks show is over, it’s important to make your way off the sand taking any trash with you and leaving behind the best possible environment for sea turtles to make their nests.   The City of Hollywood will have shuttle buses departing from Johnson Street and A1A to the Fred Lippman Multipurpose Center at 2030 Polk Street in Downtown Hollywood.  Let’s work together to make sure this year’s Star Spangled Spectacular is a success all fronts.  

   For additional information, contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts at 954.921.3404.

   Raelin Storey is the Public Affairs Director for the City of Hollywood.