Rain or shine, the Fourth of July celebrations in Charlotte County are on.
Fisherman's Village and Laishley Park in Punta Gorda are buzzing with excitement as locals gather for the Independence Day festivities, which include food trucks, live music and fireworks.
Despite the threat of rain, attendees are prepared with ponchos, rain jackets, and umbrellas. Many shared that the holiday's significance is too great to be deterred by weather conditions.
"Everybody comes out for the Fourth of July," said a participant.
The weather has been typical for Florida's rainy season, with humidity and occasional showers.
"There's a lot of humidity, but you know what? We got to keep smiling, right?" said another attendee.
The event features a mix of bounce houses, fun food and a sea of red, white, and blue. The crowd remains undaunted by the weather, embodying the spirit of the Sunshine State.
Vice Mayor of Punta Gorda, Greg Julian, expressed his delight with the turnout.
"This is army training weather," said Julian. "I'm so happy to see people come out in spite of this."
The community gathers to celebrate freedom, acknowledging the sacrifices made by service members.
As the night progresses, event organizers confirm that the fireworks over Peace River are still scheduled to go on, rain or shine.
The show is set to start around 9 p.m., inviting everyone to join in the celebration.