Tampa Celebrates 250 years of American independence
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A sky illuminated with drones and fireworks capped off Tampa’s Fourth of July celebration as thousands gathered to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Roughly 10,000 people attended the city’s “Liberty by the Bay” celebration at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Live music, food trucks, vendors and kid-friendly activities filled the park, while a water ski show brought the celebration to the Hillsborough River.
“This is a celebration of our country’s 250 years of being the greatest country in the world,” Jane Castor said.
For Jeremy Chipman, the day was about more than festivities.
“We’re all Americans,” Chipman said. “It shouldn’t be about politics or anything. It’s about coming together and unifying this country. This beautiful country is what it is.”
Others reflected on the significance of the milestone.
Burt Goodman, of Manatee County, said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate after experiencing the nation’s Bicentennial as a young child.
“I was two years old when it was the Bicentennial,” Goodman said. “We had to make sure we went to one of the bigger parties, so here we are.”
For attendee Zipporah Ewen, the anniversary was also a chance to reflect on the nation’s progress.
“We’ve gone through the end of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, women being able to get more job opportunities,” Ewen said. “It makes me feel empowered to know that I can do anything and be anything that I put my mind to.”
Castor noted that Tampa was chartered in 1887, just over a century after the United States declared independence, and said the city has grown into the economic center of the Tampa Bay region.
“We are the center of the Tampa Bay region and the economic center,” Castor said. “Whenever people come here, they instantly feel welcome. It’s a very friendly city. I couldn’t be more proud of Tampa and the Tampa Bay area.”
The mayor also presented Community Change Maker Awards to Bryan Hunter, 20, and Russell Stanley Jr., 17, recognizing their efforts to help prevent violent teen takeovers.
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