Southwest Florida marks America’s 250th with fireworks, parades and drone shows

Fourth of July weekend is bringing fireworks, parades, drone shows and waterfront celebrations across Southwest Florida as communities mark America’s 250th birthday.

The semiquincentennial gives this year’s Independence Day events a special anniversary hook, with festivities planned from Sarasota’s bayfront and Nathan Benderson Park to Manatee County, Venice, North Port and Fort Myers Beach.

Here are some ways to celebrate the holiday weekend in Southwest Florida:

— Anna Maria Island water parade: The Privateers, a local nonprofit focused on support for youth programs, will host its annual parade and water fight tradition to mark the semiquincentennial. The parade begins in the Coquina Beach and Bradenton Beach area. More information: amiprivateers.memberlodge.org 

— United on the Manatee River: Bradenton and Palmetto will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary together with festivities on both sides of the Manatee River, including activities along the Bradenton Riverwalk, Rossi Park, Old Main Street and Palmetto’s Riverside Park. Across the river, Palmetto’s 15th annual Fourth Fest at Riverside Park will feature 14 food trucks, 20 artisan and community vendors, a “Lil Firecrackers” kids zone, and live music. Fireworks will be visible from both sides of the Manatee River. More information: cityofbradenton.com or Palmetto 4th Fest 

— Bayfront Sarasota fireworks: Sarasota’s bayfront will light up for Independence Day as the city hosts its America250 fireworks display. The city co-sponsored show begins at 9 p.m. at Bayfront Park. More information: sarasotafl.gov 

— Star-Spangled Spectacular: Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch will celebrate the Fourth with circus acts, carnival games, a kids zone, food and a drone show over the water. The event runs 6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Sarasota, with the drone show at 9 p.m. More information: watersideplace.com 

— Siesta Key fireworks: Siesta Beach will host its 35th annual community fireworks show this year, commemorating 250 years of American independence. The fireworks display is 100% funded by local residents, businesses, and community supporters. The event runs from 8-9:30 p.m., fireworks launch at dusk. More information: siestakeychamber.com 

— Freedom Fest: Longboat Key will host the Longboat Key Freedom Fest , featuring the “Shortest Parade in America,” a rededication of Bicentennial Park and the Hot Diggity Dog costume contest. The event runs 9-11 a.m. at Bicentennial Park, 2730 Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. More information: longboatkeychamber.com 

— St. Regis BBQ and fireworks: The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort will host an elevated evening oceanfront BBQ dinner and fireworks display. The event runs 7-10 p.m. at 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key. More information: visitsarasota.com 

— Venice parade: Historic Downtown Venice will celebrate America250 and the city’s centennial with a patriotic parade through the city. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at West Venice Avenue and Avenue des Parques, and ends near West Blalock Park. More information: venicegov.com   

— Venice fireworks: The Venice’s America250 fireworks show will be held in the evening at the South Jetty. The fireworks show is scheduled to start between 9-9:15 p.m., and officials already announced contingency plans to reschedule to July 5 in the case of inclement weather. More information: venicegov.com 

— North Port festival: CoolToday Park will host North Port’s Independence Day celebration with patriotic entertainment, family activities, food vendors, live music and fireworks. The Freedom Festival: Cheers to 250 Years event runs 6-9:30 p.m. at 18800 W. Villages Parkway, with fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m., conditions permitting. More information: northportfl.gov 

— Punta Gorda festival: Laishley Park will host Punta Gorda’s Fourth Fest celebration with live music, family activities, food and beverages and fireworks. The event page notes there will be no continuous running waterslides this year due to ongoing water restrictions. The event runs 3-10 p.m. at 120 Laishley Court in Punta Gorda, with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. More information: puntagordafireworks.com 

— Fort Myers fireworks and drone show: Downtown Fort Myers will celebrate the semiquincentennial with a free concert by Deb & The Dynamics and a fireworks and drone show at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater. The event runs 7-9:30 p.m. at 2101 Edwards Drive in Fort Myers. More information: fortmyers.gov 

— Fort Myers Beach parade: Fort Myers Beach will kick off its celebration with a parade featuring colorful floats and costumed participants. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Bay Oaks Recreation Center and heads down Estero Boulevard until it culminates at Times Square. More information: fortmyersbeach.org

— Fort Myers Beach fireworks: Fort Myers Beach will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks launched from a barge near Times Square. The show begins around 9 p.m., with Matanzas Pass Bridge closing from around 8:30-11:30 p.m. More information: fortmyersbeach.org

With many fireworks shows scheduled near waterfronts and beach areas, attendees should plan ahead for parking, traffic and possible weather delays. Check with organizers before heading out for the latest updates.