Picture courtesy of the city of St. Petersburg

Sure, your annoying neighbors have been shooting off firecrackers and Roman candles for the past few weeks. And, sure you’ve become so tired of the constant whining and popping sounds coming from their houses that you think your eye will develop a permanent twitch if you have to hear that sound one more God forsaking time. Still, why not brave the heat and enjoy the 4th of July the way it was intended: with a nice cold beer, some smoky BBQ or other good eats, and a fireworks show by a bunch of professionals, not the guy four doors down who sports a greasy mullet.

Tonight

Park on the beach at Treasure Island and watch the festivities over the water. Treasure Island Beach, 9 p.m., $10.

Catch dinner at the BeachHouse Restaurant (expect a crowd) or just set up an observation site at the public beachfront. Live music and dancing start at 7 p.m.; the real shows starts at 9:15. BeachHouse Restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. The fireworks start at 9:15, but it would be wise to arrive early.

Saturday

Make a day of it at the St. Petersburg Pier, where there will be food, fun, and a breathtaking view of the fireworks over the water. Watch out for falling ash. St. Petersburg Pier, 800 2nd Avenue North East, St. Pete, 1- 11 p.m., Free.

Enjoy a very American 4th at Clearwater Celebrates America. Listen to live music by the Mostly Pops Orchestra with John and Mary K. Wilson and browse through booths set up in Coachman Park. Coachman Park, 301 Drew Street, Clearwater, 4 p.m. for festivities, 9:30 p.m. for fireworks, Free.

Barhop through the surrounding bars and clubs in Channelside or bring your kids and enjoy a day of family fun before the waterfront display begins at 9. Channelside, 615 Channelside Drive, 2 p.m. for festivities or 9 p.m. for fireworks, Free.

Enjoy tasty ribs, live rock music, and ribs at Brandon Blast. Westfield Brandon, 459 Brandon Town Center, Brandon, 11 a.m. for the Rock, Ribs, and Ride Festival, 9 p.m. for fireworks. Free.

Drive to Dade City for a fireworks celebration with a hometown feel: Sparklebration. Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City, gates open at 4 p.m., $3 for adults, $5 for children.

Park on the beach at Treasure Island and watch the festivities over the water. Treasure Island Beach, 9 p.m, $10.