Punta Gorda Fireworks on the Fourth of July -- Where Best to Watch

Fireworks over Charlotte Harbor on the Fourth of July has been a Punta Gorda tradition for many years sponsored by the local Kiwanis and more recently by Smugglers et al who bring in Santore Brothers Garden State Fireworks, championship displays worldwide since 1890, to run the show that will start promptly on the Fourth at 9 p.m.  From strategic locations you can also catch firework shows in the night sky over Port Charlotte.

Probably the best spot to catch the 2012 Fireworks will be on-site at Laishley Marina (check www.puntagordafireworks.com for parking information and more details on the day-long festivities there.)  Night-time activities start off with the local Chicago-sounding Boogiemen at 6 until the fireworks start, then end after the fireworks with high-energy band, Tayzer. (Admission to Laishley is $3.00)

A little higher over Punta Gorda, the Wyvern rooftop has a unique vantage point over the harbor and is featuring local band Oddisee ($3.00 cover).

The Sheraton Tikibar is a  good location right on the Peace, but parking is limited... you may have to walk there after you locate a good spot to park.  

At the Charlotte Harbor Event Center the Charlotte Symphony is putting on their Fourth of July Concert prior to the fireworks and inviting the audience out to their promenade after the music to watch the fireworks.

Benedettos Tiki is right on the Peace and would be a good choice, if you get there early enough, to see the heavens light up.

The Military Heritage Museum is having their annual rooftop Fireworks event on top of  the  Herald Court parking lot (hor d'oeuvres and cash bar) $15 a person/$25 a couple.  Reserve this one at www.freedomisntfree.org

Fishermen's Village in particular  Harpoon Harry's offers a good view of the display.

Of course, if you have a boat... the harbor works well.  And there's also Gilchrist Park again if you can find parking.  

You could also decide to try looking  skyward from outside Dean's (Torched will be playing)  from 8:30)  and maybe the Celtic Ray? and maybe maybe Biehl's Slip Not (Tim and Roseanne will be crooning from 6 p.m.)