The Brief
- The annual Lakeland Red, White, and Kaboom celebration returns this Friday to honor the nation’s milestone anniversary with massive crowds expected downtown.
- Local police are implementing strict safety measures, including drone surveillance, street closures, and strategic intersection blockages to protect event attendees.
- Officials urge families to prepare for extreme heat and take preventative photos of children in case they separate during the festivities.
LAKELAND, Fla. – Downtown Lakeland will transform into a massive celebration Friday as city officials prepare for up to 50,000 visitors at the annual Red, White, and Kaboom event.
Lakeland holiday event logistics
What we know:
The annual festival at Lake Mirror typically draws between 30,000 and 50,000 people to the downtown area. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and run until 9:15 p.m., featuring a live band, the National Anthem, and a 15-minute fireworks display starting at 9 p.m.
Attendees are permitted to bring blankets for the grass, but the city has banned tents and glass containers. City spokesperson Larry Little noted the event centers on unity.
“No matter where you live in Lakeland, you share a love for the city. It’s just an amazing time to not only come together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country, but also the love that we have for the community here in Lakeland,” Little said.
Downtown police safety measures
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