Southwest Florida is about to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in the area’s own signature style, and area officials are here to talk about it. They share their comments on the occasion the way one might sign a birthday card and we look at the area celebrations to join throughout Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties. Mayors of Naples and Fort Myers, along with county commissioners from Charlotte and Collier counties, share their take on what makes this a moment to remember.
Our country is 250 years old this July 4, marking our independence from Great Britain. Each of us will be allowed to celebrate this particular occasion in a way we feel called to mark it. Locally, ceremonies will be held, fireworks rocketed and concerts played. To offer some celebratory guidance and words to accompany an extraordinary birthday, several Southwest Florida community leaders offered Florida Weekly a glimpse at what celebrating 250 years as a nation — and community — means.
Charlotte County
Charlotte County plans multiple events for the semi-quincentennial.
According to Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch, “We had a committee of 10 people planning the Happy Birthday party for America’s 250th, and all but two of the committee members are veterans. So, it is going to be quite a party.”
The Official 250th U.S. Birthday celebration, over which an enormous American flag is expected to fly, will be held at William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and end by noon Saturday, July 4…