? Long Islanders hit the beach Friday for sun and sand at the start of the Fourth of July weekend.

At Jones Beach, residents are thrilled with the sunny skies after a rainy start to the summer. State park officials and merchants hope the good holiday weekend weather will boost attendance and revenue after a slow start to the season. Gift shop sales at Jones Beach are down 65 to 70 percent because of last month?s wet weather.

In addition to working on their tans, residents are also looking forward to the fireworks show at Jones Beach, slated to start at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Newsday - Explore LI: List of July 4th Events