Have a Pleasant and Safe Fourth of July Weekend

This next weekend will find our nation reflecting on its 249th birthday, or Independence Day, as many like to refer to it. This is a time for both celebration and reflection. It commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, declaring the thirteen American Colonies free from British rule.

We should never forget the sacrifices that made this all possible and the continued sacrifices and work that are required to continue this grand experiment in democracy.

Our beaches will be overflowing with families enjoying the celebratory nature of the holiday as they enjoy the beauty of the island. We encourage all those who enjoy the beach and its pristine nature to respect it. Whatever you bring with you, please take it with you to ensure the beach is left in the pristine condition you found it – this includes trash. The fun that you had building castles in the sand? We hope you will fill in those deep holes before you leave – they present a safety hazard to people and turtles looking to nest.

We also need to remember the fact that the personal use of fireworks is prohibited on the island. It is a combination of safety concerns and our love for pets, as well as other members of the animal kingdom with whom we share this special place. Dogs are especially aggravated by the loud explosions. Marco Island is a natural breeding and nesting area for the proud symbol of the United States. The American Bald Eagle shares our beautiful island with us and is impacted by the loud detonations of the pyrotechnics we see being bought just off the island and set off in neighborhoods abutting their nesting areas.

Nationally in 2024, there were 9,700 reported injuries from the use of fireworks, as well as four deaths over the July Fourth holiday. These were just those that required a trip to the hospital emergency rooms or actual hospitalizations due to more severe injuries.

Marco Island businesses, along with civic organizations and the City of Marco Island, sponsor a wonderful fireworks display each year. That demonstration is done safely from a barge just off the beach each year at 9:00 PM on July Fourth.

There are numerous locations to enjoy watching this spectacular show from the South Beach entrance to the beach at Swallow Avenue and Collier Boulevard, and numerous other beach access points, such as the walkway beach access across from Winterberry and South Collier Boulevard, and the additional beach access point across from Maple Avenue. You might also access the county’s Tigertail Beach Park, which has plenty of parking. If you are a member of the Residents Beach, you always have access there, but arrive early, or you will have to park down San Marco at the Catholic Church and walk to the entrance - be prepared to show your membership card.

Both the Marco Police and Fire/Rescue personnel caution residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution during this celebratory holiday. Stay hydrated, be aware of your surroundings, and exercise caution if riding bikes, driving golf carts, and driving on our streets while staying aware of pedestrians.