It was 250 years in the making, beginning with a piece of paper that changed the world.
Our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and July 4, 1776, is when the colonies united. Celebrations are planned throughout the U.S., including in Southwest Florida.
And because this year is a bit more special than a usual July Fourth, we’ve compiled a guide to help you plan ahead to enjoy and celebrate.
In Collier County, that means festive events like fireworks at the Naples Pier and a downtown Naples parade.
And if don’t see a July Fourth event you’d like to add to this list, email dosborn@usatodayco.com with a brief description of the event as shown below.
What makes this July 4 different
Some may remember the bicentennial in 1976, when America celebrated its 200th birthday.
Events are planned locally and nationwide for America 250, which commemorates the signing of the Declaration. USA Today, the parent company of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press, for more than a year has covered the 250th history with its series USA 250, including stories online now and more to come.
While there were no Revolutionary War battles fought in Southwest Florida, the region played a key role in forging the nation through events earlier in 2026 like the Great Florida Cattle Drive.
The seven-day adventure and reenactment was aimed at driving about 300 cattle along a historic route just east of the Kissimmee River. The ride happens every five years, and this year it traced a route through 15 ranches in Okeechobee County.
Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon brought the first seven head of Andalusian stock to Florida in 1521.
As America approaches 250 years old, handling cattle has been a part of state lore for more than 500 years. And the American Revolution began north of Florida yet some may not know the state’s role in the nation’s founding.
Spain in 1763 traded Florida to Great Britain for the control of Havana, Cuba, which the British captured during the Seven Years’ War. The British then divided and consolidated the Florida provinces into East Florida and West Florida.
“Florida was tremendously important in the American Revolution, even though few people know about its role,” said Kathleen DuVal, Ph.D., a University of North Carolina history professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, told the Daily News in a 2025 story.
Neither East Florida nor West Florida sent any representatives to Philadelphia to draft the Declaration of Independence. Florida remained a Loyalist stronghold during the American Revolution.
Even so, Florida pulled British resources away from the fight against the 13 colonies, DuVal said, and that’s crucial.
“The British could not afford to lose any more of its most valuable colonies, so they decided to end the war and accept the independence of the 13 colonies.”
Sign up for USA 250 newsletters
If you want to learn more about USA 250, subscribe to these newsletters.
Where to celebrate
NAPLES
Fireworks at Naples Pier: Bring chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks launch at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, from near Naples Pier. The fireworks show typically lasts about 30 minutes. Personal use of fireworks and sparklers is prohibited. Parking is limited, so visitors are urged to plan ahead and find parking on the street or in downtown parking garages; or to walk, take bicycles or use a ride service. Free. Naples Pier, 12th Ave. S. fifthavenuesouth.com/events-calendar
America 250 Celebration: 4th of July Parade is 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, with a new route. Parade begins at the corner of Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South. Parade participants will walk east on Fifth and turn south (right) onto Eighth Street South, ending in front of City Hall. The City of Naples is asking people to not sit along Third Street South, as that’s where staging will take place.
MARCO ISLAND
Marco Island fireworks: They’ll launch from a barge off the coast between Tigertail Beach and South Beach. The fireworks can be seen from along Collier Boulevard and Marco’s beach front. No personal fireworks permitted on the beach. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. cityofmarcoisland.com
EVERGLADES CITY
Everglades City Independence Day Celebration: The 250th anniversary of America’s birthday kicks off in Southwest Florida early in Everglades City. Head to the town at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, for opening ceremonies at McLeod Park, at Copeland Avenue and Hibiscus Street West. Other events planned for that day include a parade immediately following opening ceremonies and a fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Check out vendor booths, food, drinks, raffles and more. visitevergladescity.com
America 250 ― Spirit of the Everglades: The Third Thursdays Lecture Series on at 2 p.m. July 16 at the Museum of the Everglades, 105 West Broadway Avenue, Everglades City. Museum Manager Thomas Lockyear will discuss the spirit of individuals who have called the Everglades area their home ― from the region’s indigenous people to early pioneer settlers to the modern-day entrepreneurs. Presented in the context of the America 250 celebration, Lockyear will share stories of the courage, resourcefulness, fortitude, ingenuity and vision over 2½ centuries.
BONITA SPRINGS
Star Spangled Bonita: The annual Fourth of July festival begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 4. It includes food trucks, an ice-cream-eating contest. And like last year, the Ben Allen Band performs and the day ends with a 50-minute drone show, fireworks and laser light spectacular. In past years, Old 41 Road will be closed from 5 p.m. to about 10 p.m. from Wilson Street to Childers Street. Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org
Fourth of July parade: Bonita Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3444 hosts the annual parade on Old 41 Road. It includes bands, fife-and-drum corps, floats, military units and more. This year’s parade theme is “Small Town Big Spirit” and begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. The parade travels along Old 41 Road between Rosemary Drive and Kentucky Street in downtown Bonita Springs. The parade route will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until after the parade. For more information, call Tyler Bess at (239) 301-8402 or visit bonitaspringsparade.com.
ESTERO
4th of July Celebration: Go back in time at this Estero Historical Society event from 9-10:30 a.m. It’s the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence with historian Jacob Winge in full period costume. The free celebration also includes fresh watermelon slices, a patriotic fire truck display with a large American flag and 250th Celebration bags from the Village of Estero. It’s at the Estero Historical Society Cottage Museum, 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd. Estero. esterohistoricalsociety.com/event/annual-4th-of-july-celebration
Only here
Florida is a destination, especially for its beaches and Gulf sunsets. It’s just one attraction to Southwest Florida that draws so many to its sandy shores year-round.
And the region’s beaches are well-known nationally, often appearing on lists and guides of the best in the U.S.
Southwest Florida also offers a vibrant food scene, with restaurants up and down the coast.
And Collier County is home to many excellent restaurants, including two in Collier County recently earned prestigious MICHELIN Florida Guide honors. Food and drinks offer one way to celebrate freedom.
Plan your day
Event listed above include specific road and bridge closings and this story will be updated if information changes.
In general, arriving early is usually best for parking and access to fireworks, especially.
As for state laws regarding fireworks, they can be used “solely and exclusively during a designated holiday” by individuals 18 years of age or older.
July Fourth is one of the three holidays when they’re allowed in Florida, the others being New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@usatodayco.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: July 4: Ultimate guide to fireworks, parades in Naples, Bonita, Marco
Reporting by Dave Osborn, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
