An array of events celebrating 250 years of freedom are taking place around Southwest Florida in the coming days. Here’s a great selection, all courtesy Breeze Newspapers
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach to renew fireworks, parade for Fourth of July
What’s Up FMB raised funds for festivities to celebrate 250th anniversary of nation’s founding
The Fourth of July parade will start on Estero Boulevard from near the Fort Myers Beach Library at 10 a.m., followed by a “Freedom by the Bay” event honoring veterans at 4 p.m. with a ceremony and concert at Bayside Veterans Park off Old San Carlos Boulevard, near Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant. The concert will begin at 5 and run until 8 p.m.
The fireworks show will take place at dusk from a barge near the Fort Myers Beach Pier close to Times Square and Lynn Hall Memorial Park, around 9 p.m.
Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay’s staff is overseeing preparations for the parade.
“We’re looking forward to a great day,” McKannay said. “We are looking forward to everything that Fort Myers Beach is used to” with the parade, he said.
“We welcome everybody to return to Fort Myers Beach,” McKannay said.
McKannay, a retired U.S. Army colonel and garrison commander, said the veteran’s event at Bayside Veteran’s Park will honor veterans from around Southwest Florida.
For McKannay, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country is a special moment.
“For all of us, it’s significant. The experiment that still is the USA,” McKannay said. “The 250th year is definitely something that should be proud of. For me, it’s significant because I spent 30 years of my life of my life protecting those freedoms so it has extra special meaning to me.”
Fort Myers Beach Parks and Recreation Manager Neil Mathes said the town has a dozen entries for the parade as of this past weekend. He is expecting more applications from people and organizations looking to participate in the next week. The parade application can be found on the Bay Oaks Park page from the Town of Fort Myers Beach website, and the application can be turned in at Town Hall or Bay Oaks Recreation Center. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, June 26th. For more information on how to participate in the parade, contact Mathes at 239-765-4222 or by email at Nmathes@fmbgov.com.
The parade will start from the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus and head down Estero Boulevard to the Times Square area.
The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. until noon for the parade in the morning, and again at night from 9 to 11 for the fireworks
What’s Up FMB raised $129,000 through donations for the fireworks and parade. The amount covers the fireworks, as well as other costs, such as funding for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office detail.
What’s Up FMB raised $129,000 through donations for the fireworks and parade, after the Town of Fort Myers Beach cut fireworks out of its budget last year due to fiscal considerations.
Dawn Miller, the co-founder of What’s Up FMB, said the fundraising for the fireworks was done through the collection of donations from local businesses and individual contributions, as well as promotions by local businesses in which they donated a portion of sales for the fireworks.
Miller said the first 100 veterans who attend the “Freedom by the Bay” veteran’s ceremony at Bayside Veteran’s Park, will receive a special gift from What’s Up FMB. Miller said she is most excited about the “Freedom by the Bay” event.
Miller, who also made a large donation for the fireworks with her husband Mike Miller, said that having a fireworks show and parade was important.
“There was no reason why we should not have the festivities this year considering it’s 250 years,” Miller said. “We are super-excited about it. The parade, we certainly could use some more participation in it.”
Fort Myers
City of Fort Myers and River District Alliance partner to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in downtown Fort Myers
The City of Fort Myers and the River District Alliance (RDA) are partnering to host a two-day community celebration in downtown Fort Myers to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, bringing residents and visitors together for free, family-friendly festivities honoring the nation’s historic milestone.
As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the City of Fort Myers, local businesses and community leaders have already raised nearly $250,000 to ensure the celebration is free for all attendees. To help offset event costs, the city established the ’76 Reignited Fund at Collaboratory. City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson contributed $10,000 from the city’s Neighborhood Improvement Funds to launch the fundraising effort.
Festivities begin Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m., with an Americana-themed Art Walk featuring artisans and crafters along First Street and free live concerts at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. The celebration continues Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m. with a patriotic ceremony at the new All Veterans Memorial in Centennial Park. Evening events include an opening ceremony at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, live music and a fireworks and drone show at 9:15 p.m.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community to come together and honor the values, freedoms and spirit that have defined our great country for 250 years,” said city of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. “Through our partnership with the RDA, we’re creating a star-spangled salute that honors America’s past and reflects the bright future we’re building together.”
The event reflects the longstanding partnership between the City of Fort Myers and the RDA, which have worked together to help transform downtown into a thriving destination for business, culture, dining and entertainment.
“We want every resident and visitor to feel welcome as we mark this historic occasion,” RDA President and CEO Lisa Sbuttoni said. “We’re proud to partner with the City of Fort Myers to create an experience that brings people together, supports our local businesses and showcases everything that makes downtown Fort Myers special.”
For a complete schedule of events and additional information, visit explorefortmyers.com or the City of Fort Myers events calendar at fortmyers.gov.
About the City of Fort Myers
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Fort Myers is committed to providing exceptional municipal services to residents, businesses and visitors in a fiscally responsible manner while preserving the city’s rich history, diverse culture and charming lifestyle. To carry out its mission, the City of Fort Myers strives to provide economic opportunity, personal growth and a high quality of life surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, while fostering an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive. To learn more and get involved, visit fortmyers.gov.
About River District Alliance
The mission of the RDA is to promote and enhance the continued development of the historic downtown Fort Myers as a hub of economic, social and cultural activity. As one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, the RDA strives to preserve the essence of downtown while promoting the growth of the business and economic sectors that make the area thrive. For more information, visit explorefortmyers.com.
Cape Coral
Red, White & Booze Pub Crawl set for June 27
Looking to kick off your 4th of July festivities early?
Next Saturday, the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association’s annual Red, White & Booze Pub Crawl hits the South Cape where attendees can enjoy patriotic food and appetizer options at various local establishments.
“This event is the perfect way to kick off Independence Day celebrations by bringing the community together for an evening of fun, patriotism, and local entertainment,” said SCHEA Owner David Delli Paoli. “It gives residents and visitors a chance to celebrate America’s birthday in a unique and interactive way while supporting local businesses. The festive atmosphere, patriotic spirit, and camaraderie make it an exciting lead-up to the Fourth of July holiday. In addition, the event serves as a fundraiser for Santa Life, giving attendees an opportunity to support a meaningful cause while enjoying the festivities.”
The event runs from 7 to 11 p.m., and a wristband secures patrons a drink and appetizer sample at each location.
Pub-crawlers will be transported via limo buses to four designated areas, where you can then walk to multiple participating locations.
As always, attendees are encouraged to dress up and show off their patriotism. The “best dressed” who enter the photo booth contest will also score tickets to SCHEA’s next pub crawl event, BaconFest, on Aug. 22.
“One of the most enjoyable aspects of the event is seeing attendees show off their patriotic spirit by wearing red, white, and blue,” Paoli said. “Whether it’s stars-and-stripes outfits, festive accessories, or creative costumes, the enthusiasm adds energy and excitement throughout the evening. The patriotic attire helps create a sense of unity and pride, making the event feel even more like a true Independence Day celebration.”
Participating locations and their samples include:
• Back Streets Sports Bar – Bomb Pops and Chicken Tenders
• Dixie Roadhouse – Freedom Cocktail + appetizer TBA
• Cruisers – TBA
• The Dive – TBA
• Monkey Bar Seafood & Grill – Summer Monkey + Chicken Wings
• Nevermind Eatery – Strawberry Margarita + BBQ bourbon glazed meatballs
• Rack’em Spirits & Times – Drink TBA + Popcorn
• Rusty’s – Fire Cracker Lemonade + pretzel bites with beer cheese
• DEK Bar – TBA
• Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key – Drink TBA + Firecracker Shrimp
• Hooked Island Grill – TBA
• Seed and Bean – TBA
“Attendees can expect a lively and entertaining experience as they visit participating establishments, enjoy themed food and drink specials, take part in patriotic activities, and connect with fellow community members,” Paoli said. “One of the highlights is seeing the participating businesses fully embrace the spirit of the event with patriotic decorations, creative themes, and enthusiastic staff. Their participation helps transform the entire event into a community-wide celebration and showcases the pride they take in supporting local traditions.”
Organizers say it’s sure to be a great evening out on the town for all who attend, full of live music, dancing, games, karaoke, and good vibes from start to finish.
“Events like this are about more than just celebrating a holiday, they’re about bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating lasting memories with friends, family, and neighbors,” Paoli said. “They also provide an important opportunity to give back, as proceeds from the event help support Santa Life and its ongoing efforts. We are grateful to all of the participating establishments, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who make the event possible. Their enthusiasm and community spirit are what truly make this celebration special, and we look forward to another fantastic year of patriotic fun.”
Regular check-in is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Big John’s Plaza (near Pinch-a-Penny) and Dolphin Key Resort (under the entry awning). Late check-in is until 10 p.m. at Dolphin Key Resort. The official photo booth is also located at Dolphin Key under the awning.
This is a 21-plus event. Valid ID at check-in will be required, per ticket. You cannot pick up wristbands for other people. Tickets are $25 in advance and $20 for designated driver tickets. Day-of tickets are $30 if available.
For tickets and additional information, visit southcapeentertainment.com or eventbrite.com.
Fourth of July event to close Cape Coral Bridge
Cape Coral-Fort Myers motorists should use alternate routes
The Lee County Department of Transportation reminds motorists the Cape Coral Bridge will be closed for the Red, White & Boom celebration from 3 a.m. Saturday, July 4, through 3 a.m. Sunday, July 5. Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard to the bridge will also be closed at that time.
Motorists are encouraged to use the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, the Caloosahatchee Bridge (U.S. 41) or the Edison Bridge (Business 41). Lee DOT will place message boards for motorists; they will remain in place through the holiday and the closing. Motorists should plan for an alternate route.
The Freedom 5K race begins at 7 a.m. on Independence Day. The city celebration begins at 5 p.m. at the foot of the bridge on the Cape Coral Parkway side. Fireworks will follow the celebration at about 9:30 p.m.
For race information, contact the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral at 239-549-6900 ext. 111. For information about Red, White & Boom, call Cape Coral Parks & Recreation at 239-573-3128. For more information about DOT, visit www.leegov.com/dot.
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