Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks celebrates local and national milestones

The Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks have been held on Siesta Key Beach for 35 years. 

However, the event is sustained entirely through funding from the local community, including individuals and businesses. 

Craig Merrill, the event's pyrotechnician, says it's the sense of community in the local area that kept him coming back each year.

"The community's so awesome," he said. "They kind of became family to me. I live in Winter Haven, so I enjoy coming down here to see all the people, and they've treated me so well over the 23 years."

This year, Merrill was honored with an award by the event's host, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, amid his retirement from the event in his 23rd year. 

Once again praising the community, he called the recognition "pretty special, pretty heart touching" and "just awesome."

That milestone, however, wasn't the only one recognized. There was the the country's 250th anniversary and Seacoast Bank, which served as the event's presenting sponsor, celebrated its 100th anniversary. 

Merill said if not for this year's milestone for the country, he might have retired last year, but he decided this would be "a good year to go out." He said he is looking forward to spending the Fourth of July at home with his family next year. 

"He's going to be some big shoes to fill, but I know that Zambelli Fireworks has fantastic technicians," said Sarah Firstenberger, CEO of the chamber. "We're really excited for next year."

Firstenberger says the full cost of the event each year is $60,000 to $65,000, and said she would estimate 25% of the viewers on the beach were visiting from elsewhere, stating they were from many different countries.

"These are the best fireworks ever because they're on the beach," said Wendi Marshall, an attendee in the Chamber of Commerce's VIP tent.

"We are celebrating 250 years of freedom, liberty," said Yanet Cisnero, another attendee with the chamber. "We are so proud. A unique event."