Tampa city officials advise residents to prepare for heavier-than-usual traffic and large crowds over the Independence Day weekend.

Downtown hotspots such as the Riverwalk, Armature Works, and Sparkman Wharf are expected to see major congestion, especially during key holiday events.

The city’s annual Boom by the Bay celebration takes place at Armature Works from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, featuring a boat parade that kicks off at 6 p.m. from Harbor Island.

Adding to the traffic, the American Telugu Sambaralu conference will bring thousands to the Tampa Convention Center from Friday through Sunday. The largest crowds are expected Saturday and Sunday evenings, between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.

To help avoid gridlock, officials recommend using public transit and alternative transportation, including the TECO Line Streetcar, HART buses, DASH rideshare vehicles, as well as bikes and scooters.

While rain is in the forecast, Meteorologist Amanda Holly said the weather won’t be a total washout: “It will not rain the entire day, nor will the weekend be a washout.”

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