TONIGHT: Fireworks and festivities await at ‘Red Hot & Boom’ in Altamonte Springs

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — One of Central Florida’s largest and most popular patriotic holiday events actually happens on July 3.

The City of Altamonte Springs is gearing up for its annual “Red Hot & Boom” celebration.

The free event features live music, food, and fireworks. It usually draws around 200,000 visitors.

Officials want to remind guests that along with all the fun comes concerns over summer heat and potential storms.

While spectators tend to jockey for premium seating, first responders have a suggestion regarding arrival time.

“Don’t come out too early, you’re going to be out in the heat and sun. There is not a lot of shade out there,” Dave Williams with Seminole County Fire Department said.

Something else to consider this year: Altamonte Mall will close at 5 p.m., so festival guests won’t be able to duck into the mall Friday evening for shelter from potential storms.

Red Hot & Boom officially kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. at Cranes Roost Park.

The fireworks display is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.

For complete information on tonight’s event, click HERE.

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