flickr/ bayasaa null One of Southwest Florida’s biggest Fourth of July events will kick off Sunday afternoon as all eyes remain on Tropical Storm Elsa. Thousands are expected to pack the Red, White & Boom celebration in Cape Coral. It begins at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks expected around 9:30. RELATED: Fourth of July events in Southwest Florida Storm or no storm, the City of Cape Coral is ready to celebrate our nation’s birthday, especially after last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic. It’s not only a fun event for those attending but also a great opportunity to support local businesses and help them get back on their feet. The City wants to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, so there are a few changes. Jaycee Park will be open and have more space for people to watch the fireworks, which are set off near the Cape Coral Bridge. “The birth of the nation brings the communities out with the firework shows and displays and the national entertainment, and I think that’s when we come together as a community and I think we’ve needed that because for a couple of years, because of COVID and all the issues going on. So really looking forward to a great event,” said Todd King, special event coordinator for the City of Cape Coral. The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway east of Del Prado Boulevard closed at 3 a.m. Sunday. The day starts off with the Freedom 5K. Again, the Red, White & Boom celebration begins at 5:30. For more information, including parking and trolley service, click here. The event is free.