4th of July is one of our favorite holidays. What’s not to love? A three-day weekend plus hot-and-steamy weather equals the perfect recipe for boating. Add in some fireworks and it couldn’t get any better! Lucky for us, Tropical Depression Arthur chose the other coast of Florida, so weather-wise, it’s also looking like an ideal weekend to get out on the boat and watch fireworks on Anna Maria Island or the Fireworks in Sarasota and Longboat Key. Here is a rundown of things to do on the boat for 4th of July including the fireworks schedule for Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Sarasota!
Cool Off at Jewfish Key or Beer Can Island
Drop your anchor and cool off at this favorite swimmin’ hole located in one of our area’s most beautiful spots – Longboat Pass. If you need a refill on drinks, ice, gas or bait, Cannons is just around the corner, so stop by our ship’s store and pay us a visit at ICW marker 33! Our little “cove” also has some amazing wildlife – say “hi” to our resident manatees or do a little bird watching with the multiple blue heron nests located in our surrounding Australian Pines.
Watch Anna Maria Island Fireworks
Thursday, July 3rd: The BeachHouse will launch fireworks from their prime Gulf-front restaurant in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island.
Friday, July 4th: The Sandbar restaurant hosts the fireworks display from the North end of Anna Maria Island over the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to the “professional” fireworks, residents and vacationers on Anna Maria Island also get in on the action with launching their own high-powered sparklers, so watching the coastline is spectacular! Whether you slowly troll along the coast or drop the anchor, you’ll have a blast!
Fireworks on Siesta Key and Sarasota
Friday, July 4th: Catch the “Boom-booms” on from the waters off Siesta Key on the night of the 4th after dark. The fireworks are launched just north of the volley ball courts, so you can see them great along Crescent Beach.
Friday, July 4th: Also on the 4th, the fireworks will be lighting up Sarasota Bay, so anchor your boat around Marina Jack’s, Island Park or Bayfront Park and you’ll have a great spot for viewing!
Be safe and Happy 4th!