Cape Coral prepares for Fourth of July celebration with Florida's tallest flagpole

Crews in Cape Coral are preparing for the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration, Red, White & Boom, which will include Florida’s tallest flagpole and festivities over the Cape Coral Bridge.

Todd King, the event organizer, said, "The city's taking this year's boom to the next level. We're excited about our fireworks show and our partner with Gulf Coast to do the live streaming. We're fired up!"

King added, "This is going to be one of the best booms, or if not, the best boom we've ever had, and we're excited to produce it for our community and greater Southwest Florida."

The celebration is part of America’s 250th anniversary and is expected to draw large crowds to the Gulf Coast.

Nekhi Perry of Bonita Springs, who attended last year’s event, shared his excitement about returning this year. "It was a lot of fun. I went with a few friends, and it was just a great vibe. A great, great, great scenery. Great, great area. And I, I loved, I really enjoyed it," Perry said.

He plans to participate in the Freedom 5K over the Cape Coral Bridge before joining the festivities later in the day. "I'm doing the Freedom 5K here right over the bridge," Perry said.

Terri Turcotte of Cape Coral is also looking forward to the event. "I'm participating in the Priority Business Solutions 5K run tomorrow, and then I'll be participating in some fun activities with my friends," she said.

The centerpiece of the celebration will be a 250-foot flagpole overlooking the festivities at Bernice Park.

"I think that's amazing. For the 250th anniversary, let's celebrate the red, white and blue," Turcotte said. "That's what I've heard. It's pretty incredible. It'll be a good thing to run across the finish line and represent America."

As part of the celebration, the Cape Coral Bridge will close at 3 a.m. Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to plan their commutes accordingly.