July Fourth Longboat Key butterfly release continues post-storm

With the early morning sunshine warming their wings, an array of orange monarch butterflies, green malachite butterflies, and ebony coontie butterflies took wing at Bicentennial Park this Fourth of July weekend.

The annual butterfly release at Longboat Key's Freedom Fest is always a magical moment for attendees of all ages. But it held even more significance for a community that has worked hard to rebuild from last year's hurricanes.

Holiday celebrants, unfortunately, couldn't participate in the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce's Freedom Fest on July 4 at Bicentennial Park this year. Residents did turn out that morning, hoping the rain would abate enough to let them enjoy the annual parade and festivities in the park. Town officials had to call off the event at the final hour when lightning and thunder persisted.

Longboat Key Garden Club members adapted to the weather challenges, holding their butterfly release, supplied by Flutterby Gardens, on Saturday morning instead.

President Melanie Dale said garden club members appreciated having a moment to celebrate the work they've put into replanting the Butterfly Garden, along with the broader work volunteers have completed at the park.

"I see what we've done here, and I think it's amazing," she said.

Dale recently returned from a visit to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, which sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022. She said it opened her eyes to just how long it can take for a community to recover.

Crediting the dedication of club members, including former president and this year's grand marshal Susan Phillips, Dale said she is grateful to everyone who has helped Longboat Key come as far as it has.

"A lot of people have put a lot of time into making sure we have recovered and look beautiful again, and I couldn't be prouder of them," Dale said.

Phillips added, "We aren't finished yet."

Now that Fourth of July has concluded, the garden club is turning its attention to other beautification projects across the Key, including updating the signs on either end of the island welcoming visitors to the Town of Longboat Key.

Dale said they were also glad to pay tribute to the memory of Lisa Walsh, former executive editor and co-owner of the Longboat Observer. She was also a co-founder of Freedom Fest.

Families in attendance said they appreciated still having a way to celebrate the holiday on Longboat Key.

Phillips and Dale noted anyone who wishes to support ongoing beautification projects can donate to the garden club and specify they wish to help fund park restorations. Visit LBKGardenClub.org for more. Dale also invites residents to join the garden club, which is a $30 membership for individuals or $40 for a family.

"We can always use sweat equity, too," Dale laughed.

Though participants missed the parade, they shared their gratitude for salvaging part of the holiday fun. Phillips said she was glad families could show youngsters what it means to persevere.

Dale added, "The resilience of this community is amazing."

Other Fourth of July festivities adapted to the weather this year, either continuing indoors or turning to a virtual celebration.

With the parade cancellation, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key invited those who had already registered for the "Hot Diggity Dog!" canine costume contest to submit their photos for a virtual vote.

Members planned to announce the winners early this week, hoping to give out prizes in person at Bayfront Dog Park soon.

Residents at Longboat Harbour Condominiums had a backyard-style barbecue with the classic burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill.

Bird Key Yacht Club also held its competition for the highly coveted Potato Head races on July 4th, along with other holiday fun.