Looking Forward to Fireworks and Fun

Southwest Florida and its respective municipal entities and agencies have been in the planning stages for the upcoming 2021 July 4th holiday weekend, which historically features residents and visitors looking to unwind for America’s Birthday Celebration.

Unlike 2020, which saw a subdued celebration due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2021 is promising a much greater celebration during this special weekend. Numbers recently released by the Collier County Tourist Development Council have shown the 2021economy has rebounded nicely from the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions.

This year, islanders will see a return of the annual July 4th fireworks display. Out of an abundance of caution, last year’s celebration was very muted and fireworks were put on the back burner. This year, however, the barge will be returning and the skies over Marco will be lit up once again.

The Marco Island Civic Association (MICA) will be providing extended hours for its members to enjoy that display. Instead of closing down the Residents’ Beach parking lot on Collier Boulevard near San Marco Road at sundown, the facilities will remain open until the end of the popular pyrotechnic display. In addition, the Paradise Grill at Residents’ Beach will be open for extended hours to offer food and beverages. 

If you own improved property or rent annually on Marco Island, you are eligible to join MICA and use Residents’ Beach. Cost for a one-year membership is only $140. That works out to less than 34 cents a day.

Membership includes use of the convenient parking, along with access to the beach, dining at Paradise Grill with shaded tables, restrooms, showers, picnic chickees with charcoal grills, playground, beach wheelchairs with easy handicap access to facilities, and many other benefits such as family-friendly concert events on the green.

“We really are pleased that our membership will be able to enjoy a wonderful day at the beach and enjoy the fabulous display that evening. We also are proud to be an annual financial sponsor of the July 4th fireworks as we celebrate our Nation’s 245th birthday,” said Ruth McCann, MICA Executive Director.

“We just want to encourage those who come to the beach to honor the rules of NO GLASS and NO PERSONAL FIREWORKS at the beach. We also ask that everyone be respectful of the fragile environmental issues and removal all of the trash that people bring with them. Even though there are some trash receptacles, we strongly encourage visitors and our members to take your trash with you and be respectful of the wonderful wildlife that we share the beach with,” she said.

McCann also reminded MICA members of the availability of the second MICA beach access point, that includes the use of Sarazen Park on the south end of the island. Sarazen Park offers beach access, parking, restrooms, playground and picnic facilities, too! You’ll find that located at the intersection of South Collier Boulevard and Swallow Avenue. Collier County also manages and maintains a parking facility next to the MICA Sarazen Park facility on Swallow Avenue.

The fireworks on Marco Island also can be observed from the Tigertail Beach County Park at 430 Hernando Drive on Marco Island. 

Another neighborhood access point is located on the west side of South Collier Boulevard near the intersection of Winterberry, north of the Marriott Crystal Shores. A private parking facility can be found at Turtle Parking Lot, located at South Collier Boulevard and Valley Street.

The final Marco Neighborhood Public Access Point is located near the intersection of South Collier Boulevard and Maple Street. As with all the neighborhood public access points, there are no public restroom facilities.

Local hotels and rental agencies report that if the demand by visitors for this summer is any indication of what can be expected, then businesses on the island can anticipate a continued surge in the popularity of the island.

Naples Parade and Fireworks

The annual July 4th Parade in Naples will be held on Saturday, July 3, from 10 am to 12 pm on Fifth Avenue. The Naples annual fireworks display will be held on Sunday, July 4, starting at 9 pm. The best places to view are on the beach near Naples Pier or at Lowdermilk Park.

East Naples

Collier County Parks and Recreation will be hosting a 4th of July Celebration at Sugden Regional Park, located at 34284 Avalon Drive in East Naples. Those festivities will start at 4pm and conclude with a fireworks display beginning at 9pm. 

Everglades City

The annual July 4th Celebration in Everglades City will kick off a week earlier, on Saturday, June 26. Events will begin at 10 am with an opening ceremony and then continue with the Founding Fathers Parade that will kick off at 10:30 am and roll into a fun day of visiting arts and crafts, as well as other vendor booths. The celebration will continue until 9 pm, when the annual fireworks display serves to wrap up the celebration.