Hillsborough County communities are holding Fourth of July events across the county to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary, with celebrations scheduled from early July through July 31. The anniversary adds a milestone to the traditional Independence Day weekend, which includes fireworks, boat parades, drone shows and other public gatherings. ZooTampa at Lowry Park will run a month‑long themed celebration from July 1 to July 31, featuring themed animal enrichment, special food offerings and merchandise, with a dedicated orangutan enrichment session on July 4 at 9:45 a.m. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will observe the 250th anniversary with extended evening hours, live entertainment and a drone and fireworks show on Festival Field from July 3 to July 5, included with park admission. The Florida Aquarium will host Sea to Shining Sea: All‑American Weekend from July 3 to July 5, offering animal encounters, costumed divers, scavenger hunts and a mangrove planting project. Tampa’s flagship Liberty by the Bay celebration at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on July 4 will provide a free family zone, food trucks, a beer garden, live music, a themed pet show, a water ski show, a 250‑drone light display and a fireworks finale from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Additional Riverwalk activities include a patriotic boat parade, an Armature Works event, fireworks viewing at Jackson’s Bistro and Freedom Fest aboard the American Victory Ship. The Patriotic Boat Parade will cruise the downtown waterfront from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. Temple Terrace will hold its 51st annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4, featuring a morning parade at 10 a.m., evening music, food vendors and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. The Greater Brandon Action Network will host a Fourth of July Parade and FunFest at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds on July 4, with live music, food, vendors, contests and family activities beginning at 10 a.m. Plant City will hold its annual Fourth of July Celebration at Plant City Stadium on July 4, with live music, food trucks, vendors and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Lutz will begin its holiday with races at 7:30 a.m., a one‑mile fun run at 8:15 a.m., a ceremony at 9 a.m. and a parade at 10 a.m., followed by Guv’na of Lutz festivities, awards and a kids zone. The Museum of Science & Innovation will present Stars, Stripes & Science from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, with hands‑on science activities, demonstrations and sensory‑friendly fireworks visuals. The Tampa Bay History Center will screen the documentary “A Star‑Spanged Story: Battle for America” hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. The American Victory Ship will host a waterfront celebration beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4, offering live entertainment and fireworks views. Yacht StarShip and Pirate Water Taxi will provide fireworks cruises departing from Channelside Drive on July 4, with dinner, drinks and DJ entertainment. Armature Works will host a Fourth of July celebration on July 12, featuring a muscle car show, live music, carnival games and fireworks at 9 p.m. Centro Asturiano de Tampa will hold a Salute to Service and Shared Heritage event on July 12, with barbecue, music and a tribute to military service. Attendees are advised to check local event listings for updates on parking, traffic and weather conditions.