FOURTH OF JULY EXPECTED TO BE BUSY

The Sheriff’s Office expects Fourth of July traffic to be heavy throughout the Florida Keys — on and off the water — starting this week.

• Deputies will be on the roadways watching for impaired and unsafe drivers. Don’t pass in no-passing zones or in center turn lanes as you are likely to get a ticket. If you plan to drive anywhere in or out of the county, plan extra time. Expect delays from the 18-Mile Stretch to Key West.

• Designate a sober driver — for your car or your boat.

• The sheriff’s office will have extra deputies on the water as well in an effort to keep mariners safe. Be patient and courteous at sandbars, other gathering areas and especially at marinas and boat ramps as they are expected to be busy.

• Please leave the fireworks to the professionals.

• Discard trash properly. It isn’t fair to leave it on the ground or in the water for someone else to clean up and you could be charged with littering.

Viewing spots for the fireworks can be viewed at several businesses located along Florida Bay, including Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill and Sundowners for the perfect seat. Rowell’s Waterfront Park, MM 104.5, is also open for the community to watch the fireworks (parking is limited). No vendors will be set up; it is recommended that spectators bring their coolers and lawn chairs.

Those who would like to volunteer their time during the festivities can visit the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce’s website to register. Those seeking to enter a float into the parade can also visit the website to sign up.

In Islamorada, an Independence Day celebration will feature food trucks, rum punch, an apple pie baking contest, a patriotic puppy parade, an inflatable obstacle course and more. The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. at Founders Park. Judges will crown the best home-baked apple pie at 6:30 p.m. Pups and owners dressed in red, white and blue will parade around the amphitheater stage at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks display will begin once the sun sets over Florida Bay. Parking is available for a $10 donation. Festivities are sponsored by the village of Islamorada, Upper Keys Rotary Club and Key West International Airport. No coolers, glass containers or personal fireworks are permitted. For more information visit keysrotary.org.

— Keys Weekly staff report