Tuesday, July 3 (from 4 to10 p.m.)
Fanfare & Fireworks
Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota
Fanfare & Fireworks will feature a variety of musical groups,
an opportunity for families to picnic in the grass and enjoy a
spectacular fireworks show. For more information see
nathanbendersonpark.org
Wednesday, July 4
12th Annual Firecracker 5K Run
Morgan Family Community Center
6207 West Price Blvd., North Port
Race begins at 7:30 a.m. The course is flat, fast, and well
marked with a water station along the way in the 3.1-mile
stretch. Packet pick-up and race day registration is from 6 to
7 a.m. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 300 entrants. Cost
is $25-$30. Go to CityofNorthPort.com to register or call
(941) 429-7275.
Wednesday, July 4 (starting at 9 p.m.)
Lemon Bay Fireworks Display
The Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to bring area
residents the “Light Up Lemon Bay” fireworks display. The
viewing area is anywhere along the Lemon Bay Intercoastal
Waterway from the Tom Adams Bridge to Englewood Isles
and along Manasota Key. Middle Beach area has limited
parking so come early. Fireworks over Lemon Bay will begin
around 9 p.m. Admission is free. For information, see
englewoodfireworks.com.
Wednesday, July 4 (starting around 9:30 p.m.)
Boca Grande’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Boca Grande Marina, 220 Harbor Drive, Boca Grande
For more information call (941) 964-8000.
Wednesday, July 4 (from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
4th Fest 2017
Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Water-mania at Laishley Park with over a dozen water
slides, live music and vendors. The live music starts at 3:30
p.m. and the party continues until 9 p.m., when the fireworks
are scheduled to go off. Admission is $3. For more
information see PuntaGordaFireworks.com or call
(941) 637-5953.
Wednesday, July 4 (starting at 9 p.m.)
Venice Fireworks Show
Humphris Park (South Jetty), Venice
Although the jetty will be closed for safety, the fireworks
display may be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to
Nokomis, as well as from other places around Venice.
Another way to get a good view of the show is from the
water. Boats should be at anchor by 8:30 p.m.; the Venice Inlet
will be closed to boat traffic at 8:45 p.m. until about a halfhour
after the display's grand finale.
Wednesday, July 4 (starting at 9 p.m.)
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular
Island Park, Sarasota
All are invited to view fireworks in the bayfront area
near downtown Sarasota. For more information see
sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
Friday, July 6 through Sunday, July 8
Sarasota Lionfish Derby
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota
All are invited to participate in the 4th annual Sarasota
Lionfish Derby. These events are an important way to
harvest large numbers of this invasive species that has
spread along the eastern Atlantic coast. Divers will harvest
lionfish, provide public education and opportunities
to taste the delicious lionfish for free. Registration is
$120 per team. For all the derby information and to register
see mote.org/lionfish or reef.org.
Saturday, July 7 (from 4 to 8:30 p.m.)
Cruzin’ on Dearborn Street
Dearborn Street in Englewood
Hundreds of cars and thousands of car lovers
converge on Dearborn Street for this car show. Music
to cruise by sponsored by Old Englewood Village
Association. Free admission. Event takes place every 1st
Saturday of the month.
Tuesday, July 17 through Sunday, July 22
87th Annual Hemingway Days
Downtown Key West
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway left
a powerful legacy in Key West. His zest for life, literary
accomplishments and enduring affection for the island
he called home throughout the 1930s are to be
commemorated during the annual Hemingway Days
celebration. Each year, fans of his writing and exuberant
lifestyle come together for Hemingway Days. For more
information see fla-keys.com/hemingway-days
Friday, July 20
Christmas in July
Downtown Historic Venice
More than 55 merchants and restaurants will be
celebrating the non-season. Enjoy sales, specials and
prizes. Summer Santa will be there enjoying the holiday
and the trolley will be back for all to enjoy! Most stores
will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more
information see venicegov.com.
/nathanbendersonpark.org
/CityofNorthPort.com
/englewoodfireworks.com
/PuntaGordaFireworks.com
/sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
/lionfish
/reef.org
/hemingway-days
/venicegov.com