Southwest Florida communities are observing the Fourth of July weekend with fireworks displays, parades and drone shows to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. Events are scheduled in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palmetto, Venice, North Port, Longboat Key, Fort Myers and other locations. The Privateers nonprofit will host a water parade on Anna Maria Island, beginning in Coquina Beach and Bradenton Beach. Bradenton and Palmetto will hold joint celebrations along the Manatee River, featuring food trucks, vendors, a kids zone and live music at Riverside Park, with fireworks visible from both riverbanks. Sarasota’s bayfront will present a fireworks display at Bayfront Park beginning at 9 p.m. Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch will host a drone show at 9 p.m. alongside circus acts and carnival games. Siesta Key will hold its 35th annual fireworks show, funded by residents and local businesses, launching at dusk. Longboat Key will host Freedom Fest, including a short parade and a costume contest, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bicentennial Park. The St. Regis resort will offer a beachfront dinner and fireworks from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Historic Downtown Venice will parade through the city at 9:30 a.m., coinciding with its centennial celebration, and will present a fireworks show at the South Jetty, with a possible reschedule to July 5 if weather prevents a launch. North Port’s Freedom Festival will take place at CoolToday Park from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Punta Gorda’s Fourth Fest will run from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Laishley Park, noting the absence of continuous water slides due to restrictions. Fort Myers will feature a concert by Deb & The Dynamics followed by fireworks and a drone show at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., while Fort Myers Beach will hold a parade starting at 10 a.m. and fireworks launched from a barge near Times Square around 9 p.m., with the Matanzas Pass Bridge closed from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Attendees are advised to plan for parking, traffic and possible weather delays and to check organizer websites for updates.