MONROE COUNTY’S KEY WEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SPONSORS FIVE FIREWORK DISPLAYS THROUGHOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS

 MONROE COUNTY, FL – For the fourth consecutive year, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners approved Key West International Airport’s sponsorship of five Independence Day fireworks displays throughout the Florida Keys. Funds come from the airport’s enterprise revenue fund, comprised of passenger user fees explicitly earmarked for promotional activities.
 
“This is something Key West International Airport took by the reigns after COVID when fundraising for local fireworks shows was on halt,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein. “We appreciate this continued support of our Rotaries and Chambers in their annual funding and planning.”


“We’re happy to continue this tradition on Independence Day for everyone throughout the Florida Keys,” said Richard Strickland, airport Executive Director.
 
County airport-sponsored Independence Day event plans include (subject to change):
 
Key West 
Since 1976, the Rotary Club of Key West has presented the Key West’s annual fireworks show. Staged from the Edward B. Knight Pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where White Street meets Atlantic Avenue, fireworks begin at 9 p.m. on July 4. For information, visit keywestrotary.com. Monroe County-owned Higgs Beach is a great place to watch the display. 
  
Big Pine Key
The Lower Keys Rotary Club will host Independence Day festivities on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Monroe County-owned Big Pine Community Park, mile marker 31. There will be vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities, and entertainment. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/LowerKeysRotary for more information.
 
Marathon
A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade starting at 11 a.m., July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach and fireworks starting at approximately 9 p.m. hosted by the City of Marathon and the Rotary Club of Marathon. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music along with the fireworks display. Boaters are encouraged to watch from the beach or even offshore of Sombrero Beach. Admission is free. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com for more information. Monroe County operates the Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon. 
  
Islamorada
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada will co-host an Independence Day Celebration at Founders Park, mile marker 87, starting at 5 p.m., Thursday, July 4. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Admission is free. Visit Islamorada.fl.us for more information. 
           
Key Largo
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual July 4 parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at mile marker 98.2. At approximately 9:30 p.m., the annual bayfront Blackwater Sound fireworks celebration will be at Monroe County-owned Rowell’s Waterfront Park, mile marker 104.5. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events for more details.  
  
**Monroe County Fire Rescue reminds residents and visitors to leave fireworks to the professionals.

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