“We’re a grand city, so we’re going to have a grand celebration.”—Spokeswoman Nanette Rodriguez, City of Miami Beach 

By Jason Jeffers
Staff Writer 

The City of Miami Beach will be commemorating the nation’s independence this Friday with a grand celebration in North Beach.

One of the main highlights of the celebration will be a concert featuring Arturo Sandoval, the legendary jazz trumpeter who calls Miami home. It will take place at the 72^nd Street Beach behind the Band Shell.

Last year, the city threw its July 4^th festivities down on South Beach. The city makes an effort to switch between the Southern and Northern ends of the city every year, said spokesperson Nannette Rodriguez. As in previous years, thousands of people are expected to show up for the fireworks display.

“We’re a grand city, so we’re going to have a grand celebration,” said Rodriguez. “A lot of people throughout the region come down to celebrate independence with us, so it’s always a big party.”

As is tradition, the evening will kick off with the naturalization of foreign-born orphans who have recently been adopted by American families. That will be followed by a rendition of the “ The Star-Spangled Banner” by three-year-old Cheyenne Zepnick, and a performance by Speaking Hands, a sign language choreography group.

Another highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the city’s recent All America City Award. Representatives from Miami Beach recently traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the 54-year-old competition which honors municipalities across the country for civic excellence and grassroots citizen involvement. This year marks the first time Miami Beach has brought home the award.

“It’s an honor to have that bestowed upon us,” said Rodriguez. “It’s not an award for the city, it’s an award for the whole community, honoring our ability to work together.”

All of the evening’s festivities are free, and residents are encouraged to arrive early to obtain parking. Free parking will be available in the city’s lots at 80^th Street, 83^rd Street and 84^th Street. Parking will also be available in the lot at 72^nd Street and Collins Avenue for a flat rate of $3. Park and ride services will be provided by a free shuttle that will run between 72^nd Street and 85^th Street from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

No coolers or bottles will be allowed, and attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets.