Streets across the Tampa Bay area were speckled with red, white, and blue this Independence Day as kids raced to the road in Temple Terrace to get the best spot for the parade on Friday morning.

The Fourth of July is almost here, and with traffic and rain on the horizon, it's important to plan ahead. Here's a round-up of events in Tampa Bay. Boom by the Bay: This year's Boom by the Bay, organized by the City of Tampa,

Displays of patriotism were evident at parades and hot dog eating contests, even at a time of deep political divisions among Americans.