The United States of America’s 250th birthday won’t happen until July 4, but in the Florida Keys, celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial – say that five times fast – will last all summer and into the fall.
Monroe County public information officer Kristen Livengood outlined the island chain’s plan for the board of county commissioners earlier this month, starting with Mayor Michelle Lincoln testing her balance on a paddleboard as she signs a proclamation on May 4 in Big Pine Key.
“Based on what the state and federal government have been doing, they have been doing a lot of fun things to celebrate America and our 250th birthday,” Livengood said. “We figured this would be a great way to get our visitors, our residents and all of us back involved to celebrate our anniversary.”
Lincoln’s Paddleboard Proclamation celebration for National Travel and Tourism Week will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Wooden Bridge Marina at 1791 Bogie Drive. The public is invited to join the mayor and other local officials and community leaders on the water with their own paddleboards. The event will feature live music, food trucks and a conch horn call.
On June 14, flag day, businesses along U.S. 1 throughout the Keys will be asked to display American flags, keeping them on display if possible throughout the week. Later that month, the city of Key West will host a Duval Street parade and party at the Truman Waterfront on June 27.
On the Fourth of July itself, municipalities throughout the Keys will continue beloved local celebrations and fireworks displays, some of which are supported by funds from the Key West International Airport.
In November, a 9/11 memorial exhibit will visit Islamorada and Big Pine Key on Nov. 17 and 21, respectively, with a veterans party and drone show in Islamorada followed by student tours the following day on Nov. 18. As the exhibit travels from Founders Park to Big Pine, it will receive an escort from the sheriff’s office. The exhibit’s Big Pine display will coincide with another drone show, daytime party and picnic and the Tunnel to Towers 5K run honoring 9/11 first responders and military heroes.
Other events in the works include an event in Key Largo on Sept. 12 – potentially a red, white and blue boat parade – and a sunset celebration at the Old Seven Mile bridge on Oct. 10 reminiscent of the county’s bicentennial celebration in 2023.
“Hopefully, because of the timeline of events, that will bring some tourism down on quieter times in November and early October,” Livengood said.
A $400,000 unappropriated fund balance available from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) would largely fund the America 250 events, spread across the Keys’ five districts. In some cases, funds will be distributed to coordinating municipalities to put on their local events, such as the city of Key West for a Duval Street parade.
“This is just wonderful that we’re partnering with the Tourist Development Council to be able to celebrate with not only our community, but with our tourists,” said Lincoln. “It’s always important that we do things that make our residents feel a sense of pride for where we live.”
More information is at monroecounty-fl.gov/250.
