July 4 in the Keys
In the Florida Keys, the Fourth of July means lively hometown parades, laid-back beach parties and on-the-water fun — topped off, naturally, by fireworks displays at locations from Key Largo to Key West.
Of course, holiday happenings in the island chain often feature an offbeat twist. So along with annual salutes to America’s freedom, you’ll also find a July 4 event that illustrates the region’s quirky seaside spirit.
In Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Keys, festivities are community centered and traditional. Events kick off with the July 4 parade hosted by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and beginning at mile marker 98.2 (in front of Anthony’s Clothing Store) and ending at Key Largo Community Park, followed by a family picnic
And that night., check out the annual bayfront Blackwater Sound fireworks celebration at Rowell’s Waterfront Park (mile marker 104.5). The dazzling display of shimmering lights is always an exuberant spectacle — so if you’re in the area, don’t miss it!Visitors to Islamorada can enjoy the Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park (mile marker 87) from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. The family-friendly evening is co-hosted by the Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada, and it features live entertainment, food and drinks for purchase from vendors and (of course!) brilliant-hued fireworks beginning at dark.
In family-oriented Marathon, the gorgeous free-admission Sombrero Beach is the site of one of the Keys’ largest and longest fireworks displays, produced July 4 by the City of Marathon, the Marathon Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Marathon. Spectators on land and hundreds of boaters traditionally line up for colorful views of the fiery dazzlers.
Before the fireworks light up the sky, join local residents for a full day of beachside activities — beginning with a late morning patriotic parade that proceeds from Marathon High School on Sombrero Beach Road (mile marker 50 oceanside) to the popular beach itself. The all-day celebration includes food, cold drinks and family entertainment.
In the Lower Keys, Independence Day festivities take place a day early —Sunday, July 3, at Big Pine Community Park (mile marker 31). You can enjoy traditional community attractions in the evening that include games, family activities and entertainment along with vendors, food and beverages. Fireworks usually begin around 9 p.m., and events are hosted by the Lower Keys Rotary Club. Admission is free but please don’t bring coolers, pets or personal fireworks.
Mermaids in red, white and blue finery are expected to appear at the Key West Mermaid Festival , the afternoon 4th of July beach party. at Lagerheads Beach Bar, a favorite spot at 0 Simonton St. The shallow beach is perfect for a day of sandcastle building or relaxing with mermaids in the sun. Admission is free, but if you want to swim with the mermaids (and who wouldn’t?), tickets must be purchased.
That’s not the only festival around the Independence Day holiday in Key West. Don’t miss the annual Key Lime Festival, a sweet and zesty celebration of the Florida Keys iconic dessert.
Of course, the island city also holds a traditional annual fireworks show — presented each year since 1976 by the Rotary Club of Key West. It begins around 9 p.m. July 4, staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1800 White St. Before the display begins, you can purchase drinks and food (including burgers and hot dogs) at a booth across from the pier, with proceeds earmarked for the Rotary Club’s scholarship fund.
