Fourth of July fireworks light up the Sarasota skies

Although weather forecasts this year may not have looked promising, the boom of thunder wasn't the only sound heard the night of July 4. 

First was the boom of fireworks that echoed across Sarasota Bay.

Numerous attendees gathered at Bayfront Park for the annual tradition, bringing lawn chairs and blankets. 

It was ultimately support from the community that helped make the event possible.

Amid rising costs, Suntex Marinas, which operates Marina Jack, fronted the $35,000 cost of this year's event, with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, who had previously sponsored the event, serving as a co-sponsor. 

As in other years, the City of Sarasota provided in-kind services.

Despite the presence of a tropical depression off the east coast, there was ultimately no rain to interfere with the experience. 

Attendees came from far and wide for the event, including Gabriela Pérez, who was visiting Sarasota from Miami, with her family, because they enjoy spending the holiday here.

Pérez said her family, who are all originally from Cuba and are American citizens, visit Sarasota because while in the area, they feel more connected to their roots in America, where they have lived for over 15 years.

"We like the vibes here," she said, stating that she sees more people dressing up for the occasion, and that the community is more connected to the kinds of experiences they are seeking on the holiday. 

"We love this country, to be honest," she said. "We're very thankful for everything it has to offer and we're proud to be Americans."

Cody Maple, a former Sarasota resident who visited from Oregon with his fiancee Rachel Bliesner, was glad to be back at the bay once again that night.  

"I've seen the fireworks here so many times," he said. "It's beautiful. It's always beautiful. It's the best place to watch them."