06/28/2022
Let the festivities begin
For the second year in a row, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks displays throughout the Florida Keys. Funds will be drawn from the airport’s enterprise revenue fund, which is made up of passenger user fees earmarked specifically for promotional activities.
“The airport is a great community partner for sponsoring these patriotic events throughout the Florida Keys,” said Monroe County Mayor David Rice.
In addition to sponsoring Independence Day firework shows, the Key West International Airport will sponsor the Race World Offshore Key West Championships taking place Nov. 6-13, 2022; the Naval Air Station Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular set for April 2023; and the annual Wounded Warriors Ride, which typically takes place in January.
“I am pleased Key West International Airport was able to work with the mayor and the commissioners to bring fireworks to the community again,” said Monroe County Director of Airports Richard Strickland.
County-sponsored Independence Day events include:
Key West
Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the 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. For information, visit keywestrotary.com. Monroe County-owned Higgs Beach is a great place to watch the display.
Big Pine Key
The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, 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 at about 9 p.m. Admission is free, but no coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information.
Marathon
A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade starting at 11 a.m. from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach and fireworks starting at approximately 9 p.m. hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. Patriotic music can be heard on 104.1 US1 Radio to go along with the fireworks display. Boaters are encouraged to watch from offshore. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon.
Islamorada
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host the Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, from 6 to 10 p.m., Monday, July 4. There will be an apple pie baking contest judged at 6:30 p.m. and a patriotic puppy parade and costume contest at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater stage. Fireworks are scheduled for after the sun sets. On-site parking will be available for a $10 donation per vehicle. No coolers, glass containers, or outside food are permitted. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information.
Key Largo
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce will host its annual July 4 parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at mile marker 98.2 in front of Anthony’s Clothing Store. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the annual bayfront Blackwater Sound fireworks celebration will be at Monroe County-owned Rowell’s Waterfront Park, mile marker 104.5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events for more details.
**Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals this 4th of July weekend.
