Road closures impacting Southwest Florida this Fourth of July

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — Road closures are planned across Southwest Florida for Fourth of July celebrations.

Below are the locations where the events are happening and the roads that will be impacted. 

CAPE CORAL

The Cape Coral Bridge and surrounding roads will close starting at 3 a.m. on Saturday through 3 a.m. on Sunday for the Freedom 5K race and Red, White & BOOM event. The closures include Cape Coral Parkway from SE 15th Avenue/Cape Coral Street to the bridge and Del Prado Boulevard from SE 47th Terrace to Miramar Street/Waikiki Avenue.

The Freedom 5K race begins at 7 a.m. on Independence Day, followed by Red, White & BOOM at 5 p.m. at the Cape Coral Bridge. Fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m.

Motorists seeking to access Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard will be rerouted to make a U-turn. Alternate routes include the Veterans Memorial and Business U.S. 41 bridges.

FORT MYERS BEACH

In Fort Myers Beach, Estero Boulevard will be closed to traffic from Donora Boulevard to Old San Carlos Boulevard on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. as part of the town's Fourth of July parade route, according to an official document.

Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the parade and from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. due to the fireworks show. Officials are asking residents and visitors to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during parade activities.

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS

Several streets will be closed for the 4th of July celebrations, which include roads near the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. The closures began at 8 a.m. on Friday and will last until 11 p.m. on Saturday for concerts.

Coinciding with the Amphitheater activities will be the Art Walk, which will run from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday, starting at First Street, from Broadway to Lee Street, then connecting to Dean Street, then Hendry Street and Jackson Street, from Bay Street to Main Street.

On Saturday, the Downtown Farmers Market will run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting from First Street, Monroe Street to Hendry Street, and finishing on Broadway from First Street to Main Street.

The 4th of July Block Party at Bay Street Yard will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will run until 12 a.m. on Sunday. The route will start at Bay Street, continue from Monroe Street to Hendry Street, and end on Dean Street. 

NAPLES

The Naples Police Department announced enhanced safety measures for the July 4th weekend as the city celebrates America 250.

For the 4th of July Parade, the Naples Police Department says the route will begin at 3rd Street South and 5th Avenue South. The parade will run from East on 5th Avenue South to south (right) onto 8th Street South, ending in front of City Hall.

Road closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Parking along the parade route will be prohibited beginning at 2 a.m. Saturday, with towing enforced.

Provided below are related road closures that will be monitored by the police department.

• The Landings: Closed Thursday at 11 p.m. through Saturday at 4 p.m.

• Beach-end closures:

• 8th Avenue North

• 4th Avenue North

• 3rd Avenue North

• 2nd Avenue North

• 12th Avenue South

• Lowdermilk Park will close once it reaches vehicle capacity

• Towing will be enforced along Gulf Shore Boulevard North and

The police department warned residents to expect heavy traffic, delays, parking issues, and crowded roads and beaches as people travel from all over for the beaches, parade, and fireworks. Officials urged drivers to drive sober, buckle up, and follow all speed limits.