PUNTA GORDA, Fla. -- Police are urging citizens to plan ahead if they're heading to downtown Punta Gorda to catch the July 4th fireworks show.
Police say traffic is always an issue in the city due to the large number of visitors for the fireworks display.
Here is how traffic will be routed, based on where you park your vehicle, in order to get everyone home safely and as quickly as possible:
LAISHLEY PARK
Traffic from Laishley Park will be directed south to Olympia Avenue and then east to I-75.
CITY MARKET PLACE
Traffic from City Market Place will be directed north on US-41 North towards Port Charlotte.
WEST OF US-41 NORTH
Traffic from west of US-41 North (Marion Avenue, Taylor Street, Sullivan Street) will be directed west to Cross Street (US-41 South). Vehicles will either be able to continue south on US-41 South or turn east on Carmelita Street, north on Cooper Street, and east on Olympia Avenue to I-75.
HERALD COURT CENTER GARAGE
Traffic from the Herald Court Center garage will be directed west to Taylor Street. Traffic will then be directed either east on Olympia Avenue to I-75 -OR- west on Marion Avenue to Cross Street (US-41 South) depending on traffic backup. If routed to Cross Street vehicles will either be able to continue south on US-41 South or turn east on Carmelita Street, north on Cooper Street, and east on Olympia Avenue to I-75. Vehicles leaving the parking garage WILL NOT be allowed to turn right to US-41 North.
EAST OF US-41 NORTH
Traffic east of US-41 North will be directed towards I-75.
EVENT CENTER
Traffic from the event center will be directed either to US-41 North or Cross Street (US-41 South). If routed to Cross Street vehicles will either be able to continue south on US-41 South or turn east on Carmelita Street, north on Cooper Street, and east on Olympia Avenue to I-75.
Police ask that if you are able to avoid driving in the area Thursday night, to do so. If you must drive, please consider carpooling with friends and family members.
