City’s 4th on Flagler 2009 Event Information

Jul 01, 2009 - 4th on Flagler, Mayor's Office, Traffic

When: Event is Saturday, July 4th, 2009, from 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown WPB

(07/01/09) The City of West Palm Beach is proud to host the area’s biggest and best Independence Day event, “4th on Flagler.” At this year’s event we’ll “Let Freedom Ring” on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 from 5:00-10:00 p.m. along the beautiful downtown waterfront.

The following are the road closures for the event:
Flagler Drive will be closed from Fern Street to Lakeview Avenue beginning Friday, July 3rd at 9:00 a.m. In preparation for a road work project, Flagler will reopen on Monday, July 6, 2009 by 6:00 p.m. and will reopen with one lane open in each direction between Fern Street and Lakeview Avenue.
Fern Street will be closed to thru traffic from Olive Avenue to Flagler Drive beginning Friday, July 3rd at 9:00 a.m. The road will reopen by Monday, July 6th at 6:00 p.m.
Beginning Saturday, July 4th at 1:00 p.m., Tanglewood Court will be closed from Dixie Highway to Chase Street, Trinity Place will be closed from Dixie Highway to Chase Street and Chase Street will be closed from Lakeview Avenue to Tanglewood Court. These roads will reopen no later than Sunday, July 5th at noon.
As a reminder, there will be NO activities from Banyan Blvd. to Fern Street due to construction for the new City Commons waterfront project. There will also be NO 4th on Flagler activities at the Meyer Amphitheatre.

The three new West Palm Beach City docks will be open to the public for FREE on July 4th for vessels and pedestrians. The three docks can accommodate up to 50 vessels which will be allowed to tie up on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there will be NO DOCKING ACTIVITY for vessels between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Vessels will not be allowed to enter or leave the docks during this time due to the fireworks show. Guests planning to use the docks on July 4 should make note of these times and plan accordingly.

All boaters are also asked to take note of the following information:

Spectator vessels should not anchor on a coral reef. If a vessel anchors in the Elkhorn/Staghorn coral critical habitat, it should anchor over a sandy bottom that is free from coral or Johnson’s sea grass.
All vessels should maintain a lookout for endangered species, especially sea turtles and manatees. Vessels should proceed at a safe speed, especially at night, in order to avoid striking any marine mammal or sea turtle.

“REPORT ANY COLLISION WITH, INJURY, OR DEATHS OF MANATEE(S) OR MARINE TURTLE(S) IMMEDIATELY TO THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISION’S LAW ENFORCEMENT HOTLINE AT 1.888.404.FWCC FOR RESCUE AND/OR RECOVERY”.

Spectators should refrain from utilizing flashlights or shooting fireworks on the beach. This could cause a distraction to nesting sea turtles. In addition, spectators are reminded not to disturb sea turtle nests. Also, spectators are encouraged to leave the beach at the conclusion of the fireworks display and throw away all of their trash. Additional information may be obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A federal or state agency may impose a civil fine of $25,000 and/or a criminal penalty of $50,000 and/or up to 1 year in jail for violating the Endangered Species Act or state statute by “taking” an endangered or threatened species or damaging coral.

A “take” is defined as harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, collecting, or attempting to engage in such conduct.

REPORT SIGHTINGS OF ANY INJURED OR DEAD PROTECTED SPECIES IMMEDIATELY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE INJURY OR DEATH IS CAUSED BY YOUR VESSEL.

Report marine mammals to the Southeast U.S. Stranding Hotline: 877-433-8299.

Report sea turtles to the NMFS Southeast Regional Office: 727-824-5312.

For more information about 4th on Flagler please call 561-822-1515 or visit www.wpb.org/4th.

WPB Firefighters To “Hang Out” on Phillips Point

Jun 30, 2009 - 4th on Flagler, Community Events, Fire Department, Mayor's Office

Firefighters to Practice Their 4th of July Rappel Down New Building 

WHO:   City of West Palm Beach Fire Rescue Department

5448_100418972940_57227737940_1974734_590899_nWHAT: Practice Run of Rappel & Flag Unfurling for 4th on Flagler
 If you see WPB firefighters hanging off the side of Phillips Point, there is no need for alarm and there is no emergency.  The City’s firefighters will simply be practicing their annual 4th on Flagler rappel and flag unfurling at a new location.

 The 4th on Flagler event site has moved slightly south this year along Flagler Drive due to construction of the new West Palm Beach waterfront project.  The 2009 event site will be on Flagler Drive from Fern Street to Lakeview Avenue, with additional activities in Trinity Park.

 Due to the move, WPB firefighters had to relocate their unique 4th on Flagler tradition to Phillips Point, where guests can watch the firefighters unfurl a giant four-story high American flag as they rappel down the building.  After the flag unfurl, all guests are then invited to salute our country and pledge allegiance to the flag.  The management team at Phillips Point has been more than happy to host the firefighters this year as they become familiar with their new location and try a few practice runs before the big night on the 4th of July. 

WHEN: Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Phillips Point Building, 777 South Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
 **Firefighters will rappel down the East Tower, on the north side of the building.  Reporters and photographers can view the rappel and flag unfurling from Trinity Park.**

FUN FACTS:
 This is the 7th year the City of West Palm Beach Firefighters have unfurled the giant flag.
 It takes a total of 8 firefighters to safely rappel and unfurl the giant flag.
 The firefighters will use approximately 1500 feet of rope for the rappel and flag unfurl.
 The firefighters will practice approximately 10 times on three different days before the event.
 The giant flag is 50 feet long, which is approximately four stories high.

4th on Flagler 2009 to LET FREEDOM RING!

Jun 25, 2009 - 4th on Flagler, Community Events, Mayor's Office

WHAT: 4th on Flagler 2009 – Let Freedom Ring!
4th on Flagler is the area’s biggest and best Fourth of July celebration. Residents and visitors can enjoy fireworks, food, concerts and much more along the City’s stunning waterfront. This year the City of West Palm Beach will Let Freedom Ring!

Event patrons can help Let Freedom Ring by picking up small bells in the kids’ area or at information booths. All guests with bells will then be asked to help honor our military and celebrate our freedom by ringing loudly them right before the start of the fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. Guests are asked to listen for the cue.

This year’s event will also feature a meaningful bell tolling and moment of silence at 7:30 p.m. to honor all of the heroes who lost their lives serving our country and protecting our freedom.

WHEN: Saturday, July 4, 2009 5:00-10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida
**EVENT LOCATION HAS CHANGED THIS YEAR DUE TO WATERFRONT CONSTRUCTION.**

  • Activities will be taking place along Flagler Drive between Fern Street and Lakeview Avenue, and in Trinity Park.
  • There will be NO activities from Banyan Blvd. to Fern Street due to construction for the new City Commons waterfront project. There will also be NO activities at the Meyer Amphitheatre.
  • The new WPB City docks will be open to the public during the July 4th holiday. See below for more details on dock usage during the holiday.
  • Flagler Drive will be completely closed from Banyan Blvd. to Lakeview Ave. from Friday, July 3 at 9:00 a.m. to Saturday, July 5 at 12:00 p.m.

ADMISSION: FREE!

HIGHLIGHTS: National City Fireworks Show
This fireworks extravaganza begins at 9:00 p.m.
No personal fireworks allowed. All personal fireworks will be confiscated.

Mayor’s Remarks & Patriotic Program
At 7:30 p.m. on the South Stage (Flagler Drive and Lakeview Avenue)
Mayor Lois Frankel will take the stage to welcome event guests and to honor the brave men and women that have served our country. This year’s event will feature a special ceremony to salute all of the heroes who gave their lives serving our country and protecting our freedom with a symbolic bell tolling and a moment of silence.

Musical Entertainment
Guests can enjoy two stages of entertainment and a DJ dance area:
The DJ Dance Area (Located in Trinity Park, just north of Lakeview Avenue) will feature great party music for those who want to dance the night away.
The North Stage (Located on Flagler Drive, just south of Fern Street) will feature the rockin’ sounds of Riverdown and Big Bang Radio.
The South Stage (Located on Flagler Drive, just north of Lakeview Avenue) will feature the acoustic rock of Taylor Road, the pop/R&B stylings of the Derek Mack Band, and the Wild 95.5 Hour after the fireworks show featuring national recording artist, KEVIN RUDOLF (Let It Rock and Welcome to the World).

Unfurling of the Red, White and Blue:
At approximately 8:45 p.m. at Phillips Point
In a grand tradition unique to the 4th on Flagler, guests can watch the unfurling of a giant four-story high American Flag from the Phillips Point building (Flagler Drive and Lakeview) by the West Palm Beach Fire Department. Then guests can join in saluting our country as all are invited to Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.

Firefighters’ Splash and Dash Skills Competition
At 5:15 p.m. along Flagler Drive, just south of Fern Street
Guests can cheer on their favorite local Fire Department as they compete in a friendly rivalry with a series of wet and wacky games that put their firefighting skills to the test. Games include a target knockdown, a water battle, a keg roll, and the bucket brigade. This is what you call fighting fire with FUN!

All-American Kids’ Area
** New Location: in Trinity Park – just North of Lakeview Avenue**
At the Kid’s Area, children can pick up their own small bell to decorate (for free), and then join in the ringing at 9:00 p.m. to help Let Freedom Ring! Children can also enjoy lots more free crafts and games coordinated by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Food and Beverages:
A tasty array of food and beverages will be offered at reasonable prices at a number of locations throughout the event site.
No grills or other cooking devices allowed due to safety reasons.

PARKING: Ample public parking is available at the following City garages and surface lots at reasonable rates (between $5 and $10):

  • The Evernia Garage located at Evernia Street and Olive Avenue, just two blocks South of Clematis Street
  • The Banyan Garage located at Banyan Boulevard and Olive Avenue, just one block North of Clematis Street
  • The NEW Clematis Garage located on Quadrille Boulevard in between Clematis Street and Banyan Boulevard
  • The NEW City Center Garage located on the corner of Banyan Boulevard and Dixie Highway
  • The City “B” Lot, a surface parking lot located on Datura Street in between Dixie Highway and Quadrille Avenue
  • The “Old City Hall” Lot, a surface parking lot located outside of the old City Hall on Banyan Boulevard in between Olive Avenue and Narcissus Avenue
  • The Police Garage located in the 600 block of Clematis Street in between Rosemary Avenue and Sapodilla Avenue

There are also 1500 available parking meters in the downtown area that will all be FREE on the July 4th holiday.

There will be a new $5 motorcycle-only parking lot close to the event site. The designated motorcycle parking lot is located on the south side of the old City Hall building, off of Banyan Boulevard and just east of Olive Avenue. There will be an attendant on duty at this lot.

There are also numerous private parking lots in the downtown area that are also available for event parking.

A detailed traffic plan is in place to ease visitor traffic flow out of downtown following the event.

CITY DOCKS: The three new West Palm Beach City docks will be open to the public for FREE on July 4th for vessels and pedestrians. The three docks can accommodate up to 50 vessels which will be allowed to tie up on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there will be NO DOCKING ACTIVITY for vessels between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Vessels will not be allowed to enter or leave the docks during this time due to the fireworks show. Guests planning to use the docks on July 4 should make note of these times and plan accordingly.

SPONSORS: National City, Wild 95.5, Kool 105.5, Mia 92.1, Gater 98.7, Newsradio 1290 WJNO, The Palm Beach Post, La Palma, WPTV NewsChannel 5, Palm Beach County, The Town of Palm Beach, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Southern Waste Systems, Jimmy John’s, Budweiser, Taverna Opa, Wild Ginger, City Pizza, Coca-Cola, the West Palm Beach Marriott, and Steinger, Iscoe & Greene

ATTENDANCE: Approximately 80,000 – 100,000 people are expected to attend

PRODUCED BY: The City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Office, Division of Community Events

INFORMATION: (561) 822-1515 or www.wpb.org/4th

City to “Let Freedom Ring” at 4th on Flagler 2009

Jun 10, 2009 - 4th on Flagler, Community Events, Mayor's Office, Newsletters

And Wild 95.5 will “Let It Rock” with popular music star Kevin Rudolf

(June 9, 2009 – West Palm Beach, FL)  This year the City of West Palm Beach will Let Freedom Ring at 4th on Flagler 2009.  This year’s event will feature a meaningful bell ceremony to honor all those who serve (or have served) our country, and attendees will be given small bells to help honor our military by ringing before the start of the fireworks show.  While the event site will move slightly south along Flagler Drive due to construction of the new waterfront project, guests can still enjoy all of the great 4th on Flagler traditions including the unfurling of a giant American flag, an All-American kids’ area and the Firefighters’ Splash and Dash competition.  Guests can also enjoy two stages of great entertainment culminating with the Wild Hour after the fireworks when Wild 95.5 will present the hugely popular national recording artist, Kevin Rudolf (Let It Rock and Welcome to the World).  Residents and visitors are all invited to enjoy the fireworks, food, concerts and fun along our City’s stunning waterfront as they Let Freedom Ring and Let It Rock in West Palm Beach!

CALENDAR LISTING:  4TH ON FLAGLER 2009 – LET FREEDOM RING!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
**New Event Location – Between Fern Street and Lakeview Avenue along Flagler Drive**
Downtown West Palm Beach
FREE!
Featuring two stages of entertainment, an All-American kids’ area, food and refreshments, the unfurling of a giant American Flag, the Firefighters’ Splash and Dash, and the spectacular National City fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. followed by the Wild Hour with national recording artist Kevin Rudolf (www.kevinrudolf.com)
Produced by the City of West Palm Beach
For more information:  561-822-1515 or www.wpb.org/4th

Let Freedom Ring at 4th on Flagler 2009!  This free event is the area’s biggest and best 4th of July celebration featuring two stages of entertainment, an All-American kid’s area, food and refreshments, the unfurling of a giant American Flag, the Firefighters’ Splash & Dash, and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.  4th on Flagler will be held on Saturday, July 4th from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. along Flagler Drive in Downtown West Palm Beach, with the National City Fireworks Show taking place at 9:00 p.m. followed by the Wild Hour with Kevin Rudolf.  This event is produced by the City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Office, Division of Community Events and is sponsored by National City, Wild 95.5, Kool 105.5, Mia 92.1, Gater 98.7, Newsradio 1290 WJNO, The Palm Beach Post, La Palma, WPTV NewsChannel 5, Palm Beach County, The Town of Palm Beach, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Southern Waste Systems, Jimmy John’s, Budweiser, Taverna Opa, Wild Ginger, City Pizza, Coca-Cola, the West Palm Beach Marriott, and Steinger, Iscoe & Greene.  For more information, please call (561) 822-1515 or visit www.wpb.org/4th.
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