America's 250 in the Florida Keys
Monroe County is proud to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with community-wide experiences that honor our nation’s history while showcasing the unique spirit of The Florida Keys. From local events and patriotic displays to historic storytelling and vibrant public spaces, the celebration brings residents and visitors together along iconic places like U.S. 1 and our waterfront communities. Discover how the Keys’ rich heritage, culture, and creativity come to life as part of this nationwide milestone.
Key Largo to Key West
Flag Day (June 14, 2026)
The drive down Overseas Highway on Sunday, June 14 is to be a highly patriotic display of the red, white and blue in celebration of National Flag Day. Fire stations, public agencies, community organizations and private businesses are joining in to make Flag Day 2026 an appropriate lead up to America’s 250th birthday. From Key Largo Fire Rescue’s giant flag flying high at the entrance to the Keys all the way to Key West, the drive promises to be a highly visual kickoff to the Florida Keys’ celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial.
History Ahoy
Remembering the Maine (June 22, 2026)
Join the Key West Art & Historical Society on Monday, June 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tropic Cinema for “Naval Gazing,” a lively lecture with historian Dr. Jason W. Smith exploring the mysterious sinking of the USS Maine, the public frenzy that followed, and how everyday Americans helped turn a naval disaster into a defining moment in the rise of American global power. This free event is open to the public, but seating is limited and advance registration is required, register here.
Key West
Key West Celebrates America 250 (June 27, 2026)
The City of Key West is joining the nation in celebrating an important milestone: America’s 250th anniversary!
One June 27th the celebration kicks off at the Truman Waterfront Park at 5 p.m. with a live music salute to the 250th with local military command and elected officials. At 6 p.m. our military and first responders will parade downtown, returning to the Truman Waterfront where the festivities will continue.
The family event will feature food and drink vendors as well as a children’s village with fun activities for the kids.
Be sure and put this landmark event on your calendar!
Big Pine Key
America's 250 Fireworks (July 3, 2026)
The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities on Friday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31. There will be vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities, and entertainment. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed.
Rotary Club of Key West July 4th 5K
America's 250 5K(July 4, 2026)
Celebrate Independence Day in paradise at the Rotary Club of Key West’s Annual July 4th 5K, held at Higgs Beach. This festive run/walk brings the community together for a fun and active start to the holiday while supporting the Edward B. Knight Vocational Scholarship Fund.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to enjoy a scenic morning by the water, this patriotic event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Come out, show your red, white, and blue spirit, and make a difference in the lives of local students.
Start your Fourth of July with a meaningful and memorable Keys tradition!
Key West
America's 250 Fireworks (July 4, 2026)
Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented Key West’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where White Street meets Atlantic Avenue, fireworks begin at 9 p.m. on July 4.
Marathon
America's 250 Fireworks (July 4, 2026)
A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade at 11 a.m., July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach, followed by fireworks at approximately 9 p.m., hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Viewers are encouraged to watch from the beach or even offshore of Sombrero Beach by boat. Admission is free.
Islamorada
America's 250 Fireworks (July 4, 2026)
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host an Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 5 p.m., Saturday, July 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free.
Key Largo
America's 250 Fireworks (July 4, 2026)
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its 50th annual July 4 parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at mile marker 98.2 and end at mile marker 100. Northbound lanes will be closed from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. This year's parade theme is the country's 250th birthday. Immediately following the parade, the community is invited to Key Largo Park for the Freedom Fest Picnic, featuring free hot dogs, kids' activities, food and drink vendors, and more. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the annual fireworks can be seen over Blackwater Sound, and the public is encouraged to view from their favorite bayfront establishment.
Islamorada - Three Waters Resort
Fireworks & Flavors at Mercado Morada (July 4, 2026)
Celebrate the Fourth of July in true Florida Keys style with an unforgettable evening of bold summer flavors, festive drinks, live music, and breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy a lively oceanfront atmosphere as you indulge in a delicious BBQ-style feast, sip refreshing cocktails, and take in a spectacular fireworks show over the water—the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family.
Islamorada - Three Waters Resort
VIP 4th of July Fireworks Viewing Party at Little Limon (July 4, 2026)
Celebrate the Fourth of July with unbeatable views and fireworks lighting up the night sky. Gather your friends, raise a glass, and soak in the energy of Independence Day with great drinks, great company, and a celebration you won’t forget.
Marathon Community Park Amphitheater
Marathon’s America-Fest: Celebrating 250 Years of Independence (August 1, 2026)
Join the Marathon community for a one-of-a-kind patriotic celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence which happened on August 2, 1776! Set across the scenic grounds of Marathon Community Park and the nearby marina, this family-friendly event blends history, adventure, and classic summer fun.
The festivities kick off at 6:00pm with games and music. Starting at 6:30pm is the interactive treasure hunt, inviting participants of all ages to explore the park and marina in search of hidden clues and historical surprises. Whether you’re solving riddles or racing to the next checkpoint, it’s a lively way to connect with the spirit of independence. After the hunt, settle in at the amphitheater for a special outdoor screening of National Treasure—the perfect cinematic companion to a day of discovery and intrigue.
Throughout the evening, enjoy free hot dogs, chips, and drinks, plus plenty of entertainment for everyone. Kids can bounce and play in the bounce house and game zone, while a live DJ keeps the energy high with music and dancing under the summer sky.
Bring your friends, your family, and your patriotic spirit—this is Marathon’s way of celebrating America’s past while making new memories together.
Islamorada - Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
Dr. Roger Smith's Lecture on “The 14th Colony: The American Revolution’s Best Kept Secret.” (November 11, 2026)
On November 11, the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center will be hosting Dr. Roger Smith for a lecture on “The 14th Colony: The American Revolution’s Best Kept Secret.” The talk will explore the important role East and West Florida played as Loyalist strongholds during the Revolution.
PAST EVENTS
The Most Florida Keys Proclamation Ever: Stars, Stripes & Saltwater (May 4, 2026)
The event brought together local conservation and ecotourism partners who help protect and preserve the Keys’ unique environment, giving attendees the opportunity to learn how tourism and stewardship go hand in hand. Participants also joined Master of Ceremonies Clinton Curry for a traditional conch horn call that officially opened the celebration. The free, family-friendly gathering honored the people, businesses, and natural beauty that make the Florida Keys such a special place to live, work, and visit. Learn more about this event.
Murph Workout at Big Pine Key Community Park (May 25, 2026)
Community members of all fitness levels participated in the workout, which honored the legacy of Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Participants gathered for registration before taking part in the challenging fitness event. Donations benefiting the Key West Military Affairs Committee were accepted, and many participants wore weighted vests and red, white, and blue attire as Monroe County began its celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Participant waivers were required for all attendees. Learn more about Murph.
AMERICA'S 250: New Catalog Brings Back Keys History Out of the Vault into Public View
The Florida Keys History Center has launched a new online catalog, opening public access to rare documents and photographs just as the nation begins celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Based at the Key West Library, the center has preserved Monroe County history since 1960. The digital collection includes early Key West memoirs, church records, directories, yearbooks, newspapers, oral histories, and a newly donated 1917 to 1918 Naval Air Station photo album.
Nearly 25,000 images are already online with more added regularly, creating a growing resource for researchers and history enthusiasts.
Visit keyslibraries.org/keyshistory and click “Our Collection” to explore
*Photo Credit: Naval Air Station Key West Photo Album 1918-1919. Florida Keys History Center, Monroe County Public Library.
A Moment in Time: Keys History Unearthed
History came full circle in Key West as a time capsule buried by local students in 1976 was uncovered at the former May Sands School. What began as a gifted class project nearly 50 years ago became a meaningful community moment, connecting past and present through artifacts, stories, and the voices of students across generations.
Inside the capsule, a snapshot of 1976 came to life, from newspapers and cassette recordings to handwritten letters, all carefully preserved and shared with today’s students. The celebration continued as the community came together to begin a new time capsule, filled with items and messages for future students to discover in 2051.
This special event reflects the strong sense of community, history, and connection that defines the Florida Keys, where stories are not only remembered, but carried forward for generations to come.
