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.
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Marathon Community Park
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.
Pennekamp Paddle Day
Red, White and Blue Paddle Parade (September 12, 2026)
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday Florida Keys style at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo (Sept. 12, 2026). From 11 AM to 4 PM, residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a free-admission day filled with on-the-water fun, local flavor and community celebration at the nation’s first undersea park. Activities will include the following:
• Progressive Red, White & Blue Paddleboard and Kayak Parade through the mangrove trail
• Glass-bottom boat experiences
• Hot dogs, chips and key lime pie on a stick
• Live entertainment from local musicians
• Interactive activities from community partners
The event is part of America 250 Florida Keys, supported by Monroe County and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary through The Florida Keys’ history, culture, natural resources and community spirit.
Marathon - 7 Mile Bridge
Celebrate Sunset on the Old Seven Mile Bridge (October 10, 2026)
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an unforgettable sunset gathering at the historic Seven Mile Bridge. This uniquely Florida Keys event will bring residents and visitors together for an evening of local food, live music, history, culture, and community spirit, featuring culinary creations from the Marathon High School Culinary Program, fresh offerings from Grimal Grove, and participation from community partners dedicated to preserving the Keys’ character.
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.
Flay Day in the Florida Keys (June 14, 2026)
The Overseas Highway drive on Sunday, June 14, was a patriotic red, white and blue celebration of National Flag Day, with Keys organizations and businesses joining in as a visual kickoff to America’s 250th birthday.
Key West 250th Celebration (June 27, 2026)
The City of Key West joined the nation in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a landmark community event at Truman Waterfront Park on June 27. The celebration kicked off at 5 p.m. with a live music salute featuring local military command and elected officials, followed by a 6 p.m. parade honoring military members and first responders through downtown Key West. The festivities continued back at Truman Waterfront with food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and a children’s village for kids to enjoy.
Florida Freedom Tour (June 30, 2026)
History hit the road on June 30 as the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center and Islander Resort welcomed the Florida Freedom Tour Road Trip from 2–7 p.m. This statewide America 250 initiative traveled through all 67 Florida counties with mobile exhibits highlighting Florida as the 14th colony and the state’s 20th-century growth.
Guests enjoyed free museum admission all day during the Florida Freedom Tour Road Trip. Starting at 2 p.m., the museum curator led tours every hour on the hour, inviting visitors to explore, learn, and be part of this historic celebration.
Monroe County History Lecture (July 1, 2026)
Dr. Corey Malcom, lead historian at the Florida Keys History Center, presented an engaging look at Monroe County’s rich history. The lecture celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday by exploring the people, places, and events that helped shape the Florida Keys and the wider county story.
A Flag Through Time (July 2 - July 4, 2026)
The Alex Vega Key West Firehouse Museum displayed the Sloan Centennial Flag, a rare 12-by-18-foot 13-star American flag believed to have been created for the nation's 1876 Centennial celebration.
Preserved by six generations of the Sloan family and last publicly displayed during the Bicentennial in 1976, the flag connected America's Centennial, Bicentennial, and 250th anniversary through one family story.
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.
