FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - As millions of Americans traveled across the country, South Florida celebrated the birthday of the United States locally with a host of festivities.
Fireworks lit up the skies across South Florida as residents celebrated Independence Day.
In Fort Lauderdale, residents gathered for the city’s Fourth of July Spectacular, including a nostalgic performance from Vanilla Ice.
“I love the ’90s, everybody loves the ’90s. It’s the best era of music,” said Verlisa Fuller, who’s visiting from Michigan.
“It’s our music and I love it ’cause there’s no violence, no nothing,” said Tony Pope. “Everybody’s chilling, having a good time. God bless America!”
Vanilla Ice spoke with 7News just before he hit the stage.
“I’m feeling awesome, I’m the oldest teenager in town. It’s the greatest ever, we’re doing the ‘I Love the ’90s: The Last of the Great Decades,’ it’s going to be epic, put your dancing shoes on,” he said.
David took Vanilla Ice’s words to heart, going all out as he danced in the crowd and shared his secret of how he does it.
“A lot of work, baby. A lot of stretching, a lot of exercising, you know. Beautiful evening out here seeing all these wonderful people,” David said. “Happy Fourth of July to everybody.”
Crowds gathered at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami to watch the dazzling displays as fireworks went off in the Miami night sky.
“First time, it’s a great show, it’s wonderful celebration, it unites people from all the Miami-Dade County,” said Roman Ivanova.
The patriotic party featured several street performers and live music from the U.S. Navy Band.
Everyone in the crowd was decked out in red, white and blue, including the dogs.
“We’re proud to be American citizens with my family here,” said a man.
On Fort Lauderdale Beach, many residents were already out earlier in the day, ready to have fun on the beach.
“Happy Fourth of July!” said a woman.
“I want to celebrate the independence of America,” said a boy.
The wet weather passing over South Florida didn’t stop people spending the day outside to enjoy the holiday.
“It was raining, like, two hours ago, so thank God it’s sunny now,” said Alannah Rowe.
For Rowe, the holiday comes just days after another special occasion.
“Her 21st birthday was two days ago, so we’ve been celebrating all week, from Ocean Reef to Fort Lauderdale to Miami,” said Lisa King.
“I mean, I love the fireworks, so it’s like a second celebration after my birthday, so I love it,” said Rowe.
In Plantation, Americans lined up and proudly waved U.S. flags as a parade made its way through.
In Key Biscayne, a marching band set the patriotic tone, playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”
The volunteer-run parade is a tradition that the community in Key Biscayne has put on display for 66 years.
“Thank you so much for our government and the Fourth of July parade,” said Jenny.
“I love the planes going by and just the spirit of being an American citizen and living in this country,” said Beatrice. “It’s very exciting.”
While the parades and bands were the stars of the morning, the celebrations continued throughout the day, ending in fireworks shows across the region.
In South Beach, authorities urged everyone to celebrate the evening fireworks safely.
“If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Utilize the rideshare application service or our free trolley services that we offer,” said an official.
Hundreds flocked to Bayfront Park to be part of its centennial celebration, which was met with a soggy start Friday afternoon.
“We are very happy, even if it’s raining,” said a woman.
One group of Americans put on a patriotic display, featuring classic American cars that they worked on restoring.
“He wanted to see the military cars because he loves those things,” said Vinni.
Vinni and his family are celebrating the holiday for the very first time.
“We’ve learned to love this country, because it’s given us so much,” said Vinni.
“I’m very patriotic. My father was a veteran, and I enjoy it. It’s America all the way,” said Charles Dragone.
“It’s special. What better way to celebrate America than driving the quintessential time when everybody was out driving in the U.S. and having cool cars?” said Johan Amy.
The innocent celebration can get dangerous quickly, so while it is important to have fun, officials urged caution. The City of Miami Police Department shared tips on social media for revelers to stay safe, and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue held demonstrations.
“You need to wait until it’s fully done with its performance, and even wait a little after that to handle that firework,” said an official. “And once you get it, you need to put it in a bucket of water to cool it off even more. Use them as they’re intended, and everything will play out safely.”
Americans across South Florida echoed officials’ warnings to be cautious and ultimately enjoy the festivities.
“Just for everyone to be safe and be happy and celebrate all the good things about our country,” said Rowe.
Although they may look totally safe, some fireworks, including some sparklers, can heat up to 200 degrees.
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.