Where to Park Downtown on the 4th of July

Wherever you celebrate the holiday and however you get there, you'll find plenty of places to park along St. Petersburg's waterfront.  Everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation, is urged to park in legal parking spaces, observe posted parking regulations and avoid blocking streets with their vehicles. Also, remember to exercise patience and leave enough travel time as traffic will be heavy during this popular event.

• Covered Parking: All city-owned parking facilities will charge a holiday event rate of $10, including South Core parking garage (enter from First Ave. S. between First and Second St.) or the Mahaffey Garage (enter from First St. at Third Ave. N. or from Fifth Ave. S., east of First St.). Both facilities offer accessible disabled parking. Trailer message signs will direct drivers to available parking.

• Metered Parking: Participants attending Independence Day festivities downtown are encouraged to locate long-term parking in an off-street lot or garage. Metered on-street parking is available for those with short-term parking needs.  Meters cost $1 per hour and motorists can enroll in the city's ParkMobile program that allows you to pay the meter from your cell phone. Find out more at www.parkmobile.com.

• Ride Your Bike: Whether it's powered by pedals or a motor, St. Petersburg offers plenty of parking for bikes and motorcycles along the waterfront.  Find a permanent bicycle rack or take advantage of special event bicycle parking on Bayshore Dr. N.E., along the North Bay Trail between Second and Fifth Aves. N. Limited motorcycle parking is also available in the North Shore ball field parking lot, 901 North Shore Dr. N.E.

• Accessible parking for the disabled is available in all city-owned parking facilities. Additional temporary on-street disabled parking is located along portions of Beach Dr. and the North Shore ball field parking lot, 901 North Shore Dr. N.E. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Take the Trolley: The St. Petersburg Trolley operates on its weekend Looper schedule on July 4th, with service from 10 a.m. to midnight with free fares from 5 p.m. to midnight. Independence Day attendees should note that service will be suspended during, and shortly after, the city's fireworks extravaganza. For a map showing the St. Petersburg Trolley route and downtown parking locations, visit stpetetrolley.com.

• The Central Avenue Shuttle will also be operating on July 4th. Fees range from free to .50 per person from The Pier to the Grand Central District's 31st St. hub. Visit psta.net for schedule information.