Time Fourth of July Right: What To Know

SC Staff Report

This year marks the return of community Fourth of July celebrations on Sanibel, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And timing will be everything that day.

Periwinkle Way shuts down at 9 a.m. for the Independence Day parade. Traffic will be diverted off Periwinkle down Donax Street and around to Rabbit Road. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m., so go early with a chair and find some shade. Remember to wave and smile as The Santiva Chronicle passes by with Associate Publisher Chuck Larsen’s cameras clicking.

The timing of fireworks will be dark. Island fireworks will be detonated from Bailey Road and are best seen from the causeway. That will make the causeway a traffic zoo, so allow plenty of time.

In the time between the parade and fireworks, is the popular 42nd Annual Road Rally at noon at Timbers. It’s for the adventurous who love a good island-wide scavenger hunt in the car. Teams are given clues to guide them along the route and earn points for following instructions, timing and mileage. Prizes are awarded for best decorated car and an “after-party” will be at the Sanibel Grill, adjacent to Timbers.

After-parade festivities will also return to the parking lot of Jerry’s Shopping Center – two water slides, a dunk tank, a bounce house, slip and slide and more. Boy Scouts will be serving up hot dogs and refreshments.

So time it right:

30th Annual Independence Day Parade, 9:30 a.m.
“Red, Wild & Blue”
Parade route is Periwinkle Way, from Tarpon Bay Road to Casa Ybel Road
Periwinkle closes at 9 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m.
Take chairs and find some shade

42nd Annual Road Rally, Noon, Timbers, 703 Tarpon Bay Rd.
Benefits Community Housing & Resources

Activities at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way
Following the parade
Water slides, dunk tank, bounce house and more
Refreshments, hot dogs

Fireworks, 9 p.m., end of Bailey Road
Show will last approximately 25 minutes
Road will be closed
Best viewed from the San Carlos Bay side on the east end or causeway

Fourth of July is a holiday with time-honored traditions to mark America’s independence, which typically include barbecuing and fireworks. The Sanibel Fire & Rescue District has shared a list of relevant rules for a safe time.

“Sanibel Island is a unique place to enjoy the Independence Day holiday,” said SFRD Fire Marshal Larry Williams. “But residents and visitors need to be aware of the rules that are in place for their safety and the safety of our native wildlife.”

All fireworks on Sanibel Island are illegal: in order to protect local wildlife, there are no fireworks allowed within the city limits.
Beach Campfires are currently prohibited: campfire permits are issued from Nov. 1 to Feb. 14. Any beach campfire within the City of Sanibel or outside the city’s boundary will be in violation of these rules and any fines or fees assessed will be the individual’s responsibility.
Barbecue Grilling: grills can be used at your residence as long as they are within 10 feet from any structure. Residents and visitors should use caution with the location and placement of any grill.

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