Fourth of July celebrations start early on South Florida beaches

Bayfront Park expected to host more than 70,000 people Saturday

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ The Fourth of July faithful headed to beaches along South Florida's coast a day before the big celebrations were set to take place.

Cars streamed onto South Beach as preparations were underway for a big party at Bayfront Park.

The Jones family said they have 250 people flying in from all over the country for a family reunion and they picked South beach for their Fourth of July fun spot.

"That's why we are here, because it is going to be off the chain baby," said Tanji Grant. "My son actually lives in Miami. We are from Michigan and he has been here two years and he loves it."

Dania Beach Pier was also packed Friday, despite a large amount of seaweed in the water.

"(I've been) wanting to go to the beach on my day off before the Fourth of July," Raymond Llamusa said. "Last year it didn't happen that way, so we are just enjoying life."

Meanwhile, Bayfront Park is expected to host more than 70,000 people for its 29th annual American Birthday Bash.

"We expect a large attendance mainly because it lands on a Saturday this year," said Bayfront Park marketing director, Karina Mestre. "Since people are not typically working Sunday mornings, we expect people to show up in bigger crowds and hang out longer. So this year, we are actually extending the hours until midnight."

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Over at the Miami Seaquarium Marina, pyro crews were busy rigging three barges for South Florida's biggest fireworks show at Bayfront Park.

Park officials said more than $50,000 was spent on fireworks this year.

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