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Security stepped up in Boston for holiday weekend

Gloria Kelley (right) was all smiles as she went through security with Linda Lee Stacy at the DCR Hatch Memorial Shell Friday. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

Bostonians and tourists who visited the Esplanade Friday afternoon to catch the Boston Pops practice could not go more than a few feet without seeing a state trooper or member of the National Guard.

Security has been heightened this weekend in Boston and on the Esplanade. Boston Police Commissioner William B. Evans said Friday that authorities are not aware of any specific terrorist threat against Boston’s historic celebration, but he said people should still be vigilant.

“We’re just stepping it up to make sure it can be as safe as possible,” he said during a news conference outside City Hall. “If you see something, say something. Don’t think you’re going to bother us.”

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He urged people to enjoy the holiday and encouraged everyone to “feel secure coming down” to the Esplanade. State Police have security “well-covered” on the Esplanade, he said, while Boston Police have the Back Bay neighborhood covered.

A lone-wolf attack would be police’s “worst nightmare,” Evans said, but with no indication of any specific threats, much of the focus lies in Boston’s neighborhoods.

Evans said he wanted to make “sure I don’t have kids shot,” keeping in mind two recent shootings, one in Mattapan that left one man wounded and another in Roxbury that left one man dead and one wounded.

John Fleetwood, 64, of Sarasota, Fla., was scouting out the Esplanade Friday afternoon to determine how early he and his wife, Julie, would have to arrive Saturday to snag a good spot to watch the concert and fireworks.

Right away, he said, he noticed the high number of officers patrolling the area.

“I’m in favor of it,” he said. “Especially because Boston has already been hit once during the Boston Marathon.”

It was his first time in Boston, he said, and there seemed no more opportune time to visit than the Fourth of July. He was not going to let fear ruin his time here.

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A member of the State Police Underwater Recovery Unit checked the Charles River shoreline along the Esplanade. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security called for law enforcement officials to be on alert nationwide in light of recent terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia, and Kuwait.

People on the Esplanade Friday were well aware of the call for caution but determined not to be deterred from celebrating.

“It’s always in the back of your mind,” Emmy Crowder said of potential attacks.

The 26-year-old Dallas native and student at Boston University was leaning on a metal fence near the Hatch Shell with her boyfriend, Josh Shane, 32, and enjoying the Pops’ daytime practice. A state trooper stood a few feet away.

“It’s kind of scary,” Shane said, “but not enough to deter you from going out.”

Hundreds funneled in and out of the Esplanade Friday. By mid-afternoon, State Police spokesman David Procopio said there were no major incidents, but one person with outstanding warrants was arrested.

“Everything has been going smoothly,” he said.

Troopers were stationed near the start of the line for the Pops concert, where people had been waiting as early as 8:30 a.m.

People who want to view the concert and fireworks will have to enter through one of two checkpoints. One is set up between the lagoon’s Clarendon and Berkeley bridges and the other is at the base of the Clarendon bridge.

The checkpoints will open at 9 a.m. People are not allowed to bring coolers on wheels, backpacks, glass containers, cans, premixed beverages, alcohol, fireworks, weapons, drones, or bikes. All liquids must be in sealed, clear plastic containers that hold no more than 2 liters.

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Storrow Drive will close westbound from Leverett Circle to Kenmore Square starting at 7 a.m. Saturday, Procopio said. At 3 p.m. eastbound traffic toward the Esplanade will be detoured.

The roads will reopen Sunday morning after the area is cleared, he said.

Officials also warned the public to be wary of other holiday hazards.

Fire Commissioner Joseph E. Finn reminded people to be careful grilling, and said he did not want to see any fireworks-related tragedies. EMS Chief James Hooley reminded the public to stay hydrated and remember to “grab the shade” during the festivities.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh warned residents to take precautions, including not overcrowding decks, which can collapse.

“The Fourth of July is a special time in Boston,” Walsh said, after encouraging people to stay safe over the weekend.

Police units with bomb-sniffing dogs deployed Friday on the Esplanade. Michael Dwyer/AP

Martin Finucane of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Sara DiNatale can be reached at sara.dinatale@globe.com Follow her on Twitter at @sara_dinatale.