\u2014 United on the Manatee River: Bradenton and Palmetto will celebrate America\u2019s 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\u2019s Riverside Park. Across the river, Palmetto\u2019s 15th annual Fourth Fest at Riverside Park will feature 14 food trucks, 20 artisan and community vendors, a \u201cLil Firecrackers\u201d kids zone, and live music. Fireworks will be visible from both sides of the Manatee River. More information: cityofbradenton.com<\/a> or Palmetto 4th Fest<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 Bayfront Sarasota fireworks: Sarasota\u2019s 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 Freedom Fest: Longboat Key will host the Longboat Key Freedom Fest , featuring the \u201cShortest Parade in America,\u201d 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 Venice parade: Historic Downtown Venice will celebrate America250 and the city\u2019s 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<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 Venice fireworks: The Venice\u2019s 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 North Port festival: CoolToday Park will host North Port\u2019s 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 Punta Gorda festival: Laishley Park will host Punta Gorda\u2019s 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014 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<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/2026-Hattaway-Web-Ads4.jpg\")
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