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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The rainy forecast on Friday is not stopping those in charge from setting up the Boon by the Bay events in the City of Tampa.
MaryBeth Williams serves as the executive director for the group Friends of the Riverwalk.
“We are prepared to delay, if necessary,” Williams said.
However, the leader of the group that’s celebrating its 20th anniversary doesn’t think the events will be canceled. Williams said the weather would have to be extreme for major changes.
“As long as the weather is not dangerous, if there’s not lightning out there, or strong winds, we will proceed with the boat parade as well the water ski show,” Williams said.
More than 50 boats are registered to be in the parade that’ll take place on the Hillsborough River. Click here to see the route.
“This year’s boat parade theme is a ‘Salute to Service’ honoring our military and our first responders,” Willaims said.
The first water ski show is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. near Sparkman Wharf and the other is at 7:30 p.m. closer to the convention center and Jackson’s Bistro, Bar, & Sushi of Tampa.
The two main public fireworks shows are scheduled for 9 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf, with events leading up to it starting at 5 p.m.
The other big fireworks show is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. at Armature Works with the fun starting at 4 p.m.
The Tampa Police Department confirmed that there will be more officers for the events. Assistant Chief of Operations Ruth Cate plans to work the holiday and help with enforcement.
“They will be doing extra traffic enforcement, making sure that cars can get to and from their parking spaces safely, that traffic flows very well,” Cate said.
At the same time, the law enforcement community is working on an operation to keep the roads safe.
“We will be celebrating red, white, and sober. So, that is our big message to everyone. celebrate safely but more important, celebrate soberly,” Cate said.
For more information on the events for Boom by the Bay 2025, click here.
Specifically, if you are looking for status updates involving the July 4th Boat Parade and the water ski shows, visit the Tampa Riverwalk’s social media pages or click here.
