NORTH PORT – North Port city officials have released a traffic plan to help people visiting CoolToday Park for the July 4 Freedom Festival and fireworks display.
The festival starts at 6 p.m. at CoolToday Park at 18800 W. Villages Parkway, and starts at 6 p.m. on July 4.
Parking is free, though carpooling is encouraged.
The opening ceremony, which includes the presentation of colors by Imagine at North Port Young Marines, the National Anthem performed by Jennifer Montalvo, and a special flyover by the Gulf Coast Raptor Formation Flight Team, starts at 6:30 p.m.
The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., weather permitting.
“We’re excited to welcome the community to this year’s Freedom Festival,” North Port Recreation Manager Shelby Mendelson said in a prepared statement. “With thousands expected to attend, we are asking everyone to be mindful.
“Plan ahead, travel safely, and consider carpooling. Let’s come together to celebrate responsibly and create lasting memories this Independence Day.”
Traffic pattern for arrival at CoolToday Park
Vehicles arriving from the city of North Port and east on Tamiami Trail must use West Villages Parkway as the primary entry route.
Additional access points include Mezzo Drive and Playmore Boulevard.
Playmore Boulevard will be closed from 9 to 9:30 p.m. for the fireworks display
Vehicles arriving from Vence and west on Tamiami Tail may enter through Preto Boulevard, then turn left on Playmore Boulevard to access CoolToday Park.
Traffic pattern to exit CoolToday Park
Vehicles exiting to North Port and east on Tamiami Trail should travel north on West Villages Parkway and make a right at Tamiami Trail.
Vehicle exiting to Venice and west on Tamiami Trail, should travel north on West Villages Parkway and then make a left on Playmore Boulevard and a right o Preto Boulevard and then make a left on Tamiami Trail.
If Preto Boulevard has not yet reopened after the show, vehicles may continue down W. Villages Pkwy and turn left onto US 41 toward Venice.To receive safety and event-related messages about the festival, text FREEDOM25 to 888-777. More information can be found at NorthPortFL.gov/FreedomFestival.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: North Port releases access plan for Freedom Festival at CoolToday Park
Reporting by Staff Report / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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