Best Free Attractions in Florida

For the second consecutive year, Juno Beach’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) has been named USA Today’s Best Free Attraction in the U.S., topping Niagara Falls State Park (No. 7) and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (No. 5).

The nonprofit won thanks to nationwide public voting and a nomination from USA Today’s expert panel. Founded in 1983, LMC welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, offering sea turtle rehabilitation, interactive exhibits, and educational programs—all free of charge.

Florida’s TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach ranked No. 2. It is popular for offering visitors the rare opportunity to see manatees up close. See the full list here.

New Smyrna Beach is America’s Most Dangerous Beach

Two reports last month found Florida to be home to the most dangerous beaches in the U.S. While the top 10 lists differ, both found New Smyrna Beach (NSB) to be the most dangerous beach in America.

According to Travel Lens, seven of America’s top 10 most dangerous beaches call Florida home, while Tideschart’s entire top 10 list is comprised of Sunshine State beaches.

Known as one of the Atlantic Ocean’s top surfing destinations, NSB is also known as the shark-bite capital of the world and has a Travel Lens danger score of 8.14 out of 10. The Tideschart team analyzed over 500 shorelines in the U.S. and gave NSB a score of 76.92 out of 100.

Travel Lens’ list included three beaches outside of Florida: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (No. 5), Oak Island, North Carolina (No. 8), and Gulf Shores, Alabama (No. 9).

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➤ Tallahassee: The annual Celebrate America event at Tom Brown Park will include fireworks, children’s activities, and food trucks from 6-10 p.m. today. (See Details)

➤ Jacksonville: The Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration uses two barges on the St. Johns River to simultaneously blast fireworks into the sky above the heart of downtown. (More)

➤ Haines City: Thunder on the Ridge, Central Florida’s largest and most longstanding Independence Day celebration, continues its tradition of bringing Polk and surrounding counties together for a magical evening at Lake Eva Park. (More)

➤ Orlando: The Fireworks at the Fountain event at Lake Eola Park is a beloved tradition, offering live entertainment and a stunning pyrotechnic show. (See Details)

➤ Punta Gorda: The Fisherman’s Village Independence Day Celebration offers live music, dancing, shopping, and dining along the waterfront from 12-9 p.m. (More)

➤ Tampa: The July 4th Boat Parade is visible today from the Riverwalk, including a special Blessing of the Fleet ceremony and fireworks. This year’s theme is Salute to Service. (See Details)

➤ Miami: The Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth Festival is a major attraction, featuring live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean. (See All Miami Events)

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➤ The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, by the original 13 colonies. Meanwhile, in Florida, the day passed without celebration due to the region’s strong British ties. (More)

➤ On July 4, 1845, St. Augustine observed Independence Day for the first time after Florida had joined the Union. The ceremonies, held in the Governor’s House, focused on “the birth of liberty” and commemorating the recent death of Florida’s first military governor, Andrew Jackson. (More)

➤ By the mid-1800s, larger cities like Jacksonville and Tampa began hosting more elaborate Fourth of July events, including military displays and public feasts. The growth of these early celebrations mirrored the state’s development and cultural integration. (See History)

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Will you go out to watch fireworks today?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Haven’t decided

Thursday’s Results:

Are you a native Floridian?

1. Yes: 72%
2. No: 28%

Who was the last NASCAR premier series driver to win a race on July 4 at Daytona International Speedway?

Show me the answer