Take the Streetcar to July 4th Fireworks!

Celebrations of this sacrifice for freedom will take place across America on Friday, July 4. Locally, Channelside Bay Plaza is hosting the 13th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. The TECO Line Streetcar System is a proud sponsor of the event taking place in the waters near Channelside Bay Plaza. 

The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, with live music starting earlier in the day. The event draws a HUGE crowd, so it is suggested that visitors arrive a couple hours early in order to get a good viewing spot. Only the first 3,500 people will be able to see the fireworks from the Wharf area of Channelside, with wristbands being handed out.

Channelside Bay Plaza is located at the Tampa Tribune Station

Officials suggest taking the TECO Line Streetcar System to avoid the congestion and parking hassle that Channelside will face with thousands converging on the area.

Don't worry about getting stranded! The TECO Line Streetcar System has service until 1:30 a.m. for Independence Day to ensure you get to your car safely!

Suggested parking garages are the Palm Avenue garage in Ybor City or the Ft. Brooke garage in downtown, both garages are less than a block from the TECO Line Streetcar System.  Click here for an interactive map of downtown/Ybor City showing the location of the parking garages to the streetcar line.

HART Bus and Van service will be operating on a Sunday schedule in observance of Independence Day.

For more information on the Channelside Fireworks Spectacular, visit www.channelsidebayplaza.com.
   

Visit www.tecolinestreetcar.org for TECO Line Streetcar System fares, maps and schedules.

Light Up Tampa Bay with the TECO Line Streetcar this New Year's Eve!

Fireworks over the Channel District

The Tampa skyline will light up this weekend in celebration of the New Year with thousands watching from Channelside and the Riverwalk.

The fireworks can be seen from a number of locations along the river, but the party will be at Channelside. "Light Up Tampa Bay" begins at 1 p.m. with 12 hours of live music and a ball drop. If you're keen on viewing the fireworks from the wharf area, it will be limited to 3,000 people with wristbands. Wristbands will be given out starting at 8:30 p.m.

Click for map of Downtown service

The TECO Line Streetcar is your best bet to avoid the expected traffic and parking nightmare. Park in Ybor and take the streetcar to Channelside (Hop off at the Tampa Tribune Station) or the Riverwalk (HSBC Station or Dick Greco Plaza). A map of the Downtown network of services can be found to the right.

Should you plan on driving to the festivities...

American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a complimentary "Tipsy Tow" service for those that might have had too much holiday "cheer" this year. The service is available to everyone, meaning you don't have to be a AAA member. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (you might want to save this number in your phone now) and a tow truck will come out and tow you and your car home safely - for FREE.  AAA received 2,400 "Tipsy Tow" service calls in 2010.

Whether you're enjoying your New Year's Eve with us or not, please be SAFE! 





 New Year's Eve Service:

HART is operating on a normal Saturday schedule for New Year's Eve. HART Customer Service Centers at University Area Transit Center and Marion Transit Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All other HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

New Year's Day Service:

HART is operating on a normal Sunday schedule for New Year's Day. HART Customer Service Centers at University Area Transit Center, HART on Franklin and Marion Transit Center will be closed. All other HART offices will be closed.

HART Customer Service will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at (813) 254-4278.

Click here for a rundown on what services will be in operation. 

The HART Administrative Office in Ybor will also be closed on Monday in observance of the New Year.

Safe travels in 2012!