So. Fla. prepping for the Fourth

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (WSVN) -- South Florida is making preparations to celebrate the Fourth of July.

It's been six years since fireworks have been seen above the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

However, Coral Gables mayor Jim Cason said 30,000 people are expected to watch the fireworks show at the Biltmore on Wednesday, in celebration of Independence Day. "It's a statement that we're back in the Gables," said Cason. "Let the good times roll."

Residents across South Florida will light up their grills, attend parades, go out to the beach, bask in the summer sun, and enjoy fireworks on the Fourth. "Gorgeous day," one man said. "Fort Lauderdale's banging."

It takes a ton of work and preparation to get South Florida ready for the Fourth of July. A barge in Fort Lauderdale is already being loaded with thousands of fireworks. One man said, "It's gonna be phenomenal, it's gonna be fantastic."

A similar boat is being prepared in Miami, where fireworks shows are set to take place at Bayfront Park, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach. "They're gonna see something that they've never seen before," said the builder of the show.

Law enforcement officials are urging residents to celebrate the Fourth of July safely. They are begging revelers to keep guns and other firearms out of the party. Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa said, "Shooting guns into the air is a stupid act to do. They have no clue who's going to get hurt from the bullet coming down."

Officers are also asking boaters to take it easy. The Coast Guard said they will not hesitate to stop boats on the Fourth.

For a full list of Fourth of July events across South Florida, visit http://bit.ly/NjrjNM.

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