The annual Bayfront Firework Spectacular lit up the night sky around 9 p.m. Monday, July 4 with fireworks going off over the Sarasota Bay. Many people viewed the fireworks display from Bayfront Park, Island Park, along Tamiami Trail and even out on boats in the Bay.

Members and guests of the Sarasota Yacht Club celebrated the Fourth with poolside fun with music by RPM. Later in the day there was an all-American buffet dinner and an evening of dancing with music provided by soulRcoaster.

The members of Bird Key Yacht Club enjoyed an evening of fun games, prizes and potato races Monday, July 4 at Bird Key Yacht Club. The club also had dinner and watched the fireworks over the Sarasota Bay.

The Braden River and Lakewood Ranch Little League 9-and 10-year-old All-Stars were both victorious in their games June 29. Braden River defeated Manatee Central 8-3 while Lakewood Ranch defeated Buffalo Creek 9-6.

The Longboat Key Club held a Lobster BBQ Sunday, July 3 by the pool at the Longboat Key Club Resort. Besides serving up lobster, the buffet included many other dishes followed by a variety of desserts. The guests also enjoyed live music by Max McCann.

The annual "Boom Boom on the Bay" fireworks show got a little soggy Saturday, July 2 when a thunderstorm rolled in during the fireworks display that took place over the Sarasota Bay and was put on by Mar Vista and Moore's Stone Crab.

Sarasota Farmers Market held its first ever Shrimp and Lobster Festival from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, in the parking lot on State Street. The two main vendors under the tent were Maggie's Seafood, Annalida's and Boothbay Harbor Lobster Direct. Part of the proceeds from the event went to the GAP School.

Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch students donned patriotic colors and took to the parade route for the school's annual Red, White and Blue Celebration July 1. The parade featured children from several classrooms marching in costumes they created - much to the delight of parents and family members.

The Observer captures local spirit for its annual Fourth of July special section. We hope the photos included in the section resonate with you and not only show images of local life but spark ideas in your mind of what the "spirit of America" means to you.

The Observer captures local spirit for its annual Fourth of July special section. We hope the photos included in the section resonate with you and not only show images of local life but spark ideas in your mind of what the "spirit of America" means to you.

Thousands attended the 2011 Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival Boat Parade Thursday, June 30, on Main Street.

Longboat Key Turtle Watch member Cyndi Seamon snapped this photo of a nesting loggerhead turtle Wednesday morning.