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Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular sets sky alight


  • By Ian Swaby
  • | 2:15 p.m. July 5, 2024
The finale of the show arrives.
The finale of the show arrives.
Photo by Ian Swaby
  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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Ruth Weisberg said there was no better celebration to be found, than Fourth of July on the bayfront in Sarasota.

That might seem like high praise, but attendees found the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular that night offered an experience worthy of the name. 

“It was awesome. It was spectacular. It was nice to be here in the park and see so many people enjoy it,” said Bello Nock. “It was great to see all of Sarasota just having a great time.”

A staple of Fourth of July events in Sarasota for more than 10 years, the show, hosted by Suncoast Charities for Children as part of its Suncoast Summer Fest, draws huge crowds to Bayfront Park each year. 

Zack Altman, who attended with his fiancée Carmen Altman, was among the newcomers this year. 

“It was amazing,” said Altman, who recently came to Sarasota from Wisconsin. “It was cool to be in a different environment and watch the fireworks with my fiancée."

Gwyn Dotson and Spencer Menke took to the treetops to view the fireworks.
Gwyn Dotson and Spencer Menke took to the treetops to view the fireworks.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jane Donovan and Ruth Weisberg
Jane Donovan and Ruth Weisberg
Photo by Ian Swaby
The fireworks came in many varieties.
The fireworks came in many varieties.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Russa Fecteau and his girlfriend Estefani Gillum, and Carmen Altman and her fiancée Zack Altman
Russa Fecteau and his girlfriend Estefani Gillum, and Carmen Altman and her fiancée Zack Altman
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alexandra Osipyan, 11, celebrates with a sparkler.
Alexandra Osipyan, 11, celebrates with a sparkler.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Siblings Thomas Sutton, Charlotte Sutton, 13, Violet Sutton, 19 and William Sutton, 12
Siblings Thomas Sutton, Charlotte Sutton, 13, Violet Sutton, 19 and William Sutton, 12
Photo by Ian Swaby
The crowds enjoy the fireworks.
The crowds enjoy the fireworks.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lisa, Dom, Griffin and Brian Macrae watch the fireworks.
Lisa, Dom, Griffin and Brian Macrae watch the fireworks.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Bello Nock and his granddaughter Candice Nock, 7, enjoyed their time watching the fireworks.
Bello Nock and his granddaughter Candice Nock, 7, enjoyed their time watching the fireworks.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The finale of the show arrives.
The finale of the show arrives.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Alden DiBitetto, 6, and Charles Scherer, 6, enjoyed the fireworks by boat, with their families.
Alden DiBitetto, 6, and Charles Scherer, 6, enjoyed the fireworks by boat, with their families.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Russ Zolatov watches the fireworks.
Russ Zolatov watches the fireworks.
Photo by Ian Swaby

 

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.

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