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Tampa Celebrates 250 years of American independence<\/p>\n
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“This is a celebration of our country’s 250 years of being the greatest country in the world,” Jane Castor said.<\/p>\n
For Jeremy Chipman, the day was about more than festivities.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Others reflected on the significance of the milestone.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
For attendee Zipporah Ewen, the anniversary was also a chance to reflect on the nation’s progress.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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