America 250

Residents, veterans, community partners, and visitors are invited to attend. The event is free and open to the public.

Celebrate July Fourth at events throughout the region

As the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is waiving admission fees for Florida state parks from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5.

Only 17 Southwest Florida arts organizations to share in $65.9 million in arts funding approved by Legislature for 2026-2027. Again this year, some major arts organizations in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties have been left on the outside looking in.

A drone show will take place in Punta Gorda to honor Flag Day and America's 250th anniversary.

No living photographer does a better job of capturing the emotion of the American landscape than Clyde Butcher - that feeling you experience when you turn a corner on a hike and spy a pristine lake or cascading waterfall, or a valley suddenly opens up beneath your feet. So, Marco Island Historical Museum decided to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by exhibiting Clyde Butcher's "America the Beautiful" photo exhibition.

Beginning May 30, Gulf Coast Symphony is bringing Southwest Florida the “Sounds of America” in observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Gulf Coast Symphony producing "1776 the Musical" as part of its America250 celebration. The show reminds us of the importance that compromise played in the negotiation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Wynton Marsalis asks the question that confronts us as a nation: “Do we want to find a better way?” He answered that in the eight songs that comprise his 2022 album “The Democracy! Suite.” The Gulf Coast Jazz Collective – Paul Gavin, Zak Bartholomew and Brandon Robertson – will perform it on April 18.

Gulf Coast Symphony is celebrating America250 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with a fully staged production of “1776” on April 18 and 19.