{"id":351006,"date":"2026-07-24T12:03:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T12:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/351006\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T12:03:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T12:03:25","slug":"independence-day-festivities-abound-in-south-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/351006\/","title":{"rendered":"Independence Day festivities abound in South Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Florida celebrated Independence Day in grand fashion with picnics, parties, spectacular fireworks displays, FIFA excitement, and community gatherings that brought neighbors together throughout the holiday weekend.<\/p>\n

For this writer, the Fourth of July began at the Rotary Club of Coral Gables\u2019 annual picnic at Matheson Hammock Park. Coordinated by past president Sally Baumgartner, the festive afternoon featured delicious ribs, barbecued chicken, and all the traditional picnic favorites.<\/p>\n

Among the many Rotarians and friends enjoying the celebration were Bill Quesenberry and his wife, Chie; Jim Skinner and his wife, Maria Korvick; Keith and Angela Phillips; Yolanda Woodbridge; Carol and Jasper Brock, and Dr. Phil Boswell.<\/p>\n

The celebration continued into the evening as members and friends of the Coral Gables Woman\u2019s Club gathered at Birdie Bistro, overlooking the Granada Golf Course, for a patriotic Independence Day fundraiser coordinated by Carmen Suarez and Rita Tennyson. The event raised nearly $1,500 to benefit students attending the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, where the intensive six-month firefighter certification program can cost between $10,000 and $13,000.<\/p>\n

As part of the General Federation of Women\u2019s Clubs Florida President\u2019s Project, proceeds from this and similar fundraising events across the state help remove financial barriers for future firefighters by providing scholarships and purchasing essential safety equipment, including bunker gear.<\/p>\n

Among those supporting the cause were Dr. Iris Torres-Rivera and her husband, Ralph; Dr. Ruth and Sam Martinez; Barbara Lapsley; Elena Leonardi; Helen Reguera; Mayra Dominguez; Judith Martinez; Arely Ruiz; Linda Hartwell; Nancy Desmangles and Breck; Vivian Garcia; Charlotte Reeve; and Martha Black.<\/p>\n

July also is one of South Florida\u2019s favorite months for food lovers. Popular culinary promotions such as Taste of SoMi, Miami Spice, and Taste of the Gables provide the perfect opportunity to discover outstanding restaurants while enjoying specially priced menus.<\/p>\n

This year, South Miami has expanded its successful Taste of SoMi program beyond restaurants by including retail businesses offering special discounts throughout July, creating an even more exciting shopping and dining experience.<\/p>\n

South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez recently joined me on Gloria\u2019s Gab LIVE to discuss Taste of SoMi, the city\u2019s continued growth, and the many exciting projects underway in South Miami. To watch the interview and learn more, visit www.cnews.net.<\/p>\n

Dates to save:
Now through July \u2013 Titanic: The Immersive Voyage, presented by South Florida PBS
Now through end of August \u2013 South Florida PBS presents two new immersive VR experiences: Colosseum: The Legendary Arena and Napoleon: The Immersive Saga . More information is available through South Florida PBS Immersive Experiences.
Aug. 15 \u2013 Miami International Mall Crawl Walk benefiting the Alzheimer\u2019s Association
Oct. 3 \u2013 Family Resource Center\u2019s Bowling Tournament \u2013 Bird Bowl (only a few lanes left). Reserve now at www.frc.org<\/a>
Oct. 24 \u2013 A Safe Haven for Newborns Annual Gala \u2013 Intercontinental Hotel Miami
Oct. 30 \u2013 Voices for Children\u2019s Be A Hero Luncheon at Loews Coral Gables Hotel<\/p>\n

As always, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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ABOUT US:<\/p>\n

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.<\/p>\n

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami\u2019s culture. Whether you\u2019re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https:\/\/communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com<\/a> or Grant@communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n


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