By Jane Bartnett

Happy Fourth of July, Siesta Key

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce is seeking community donations for the upcoming Fourth of July fireworks. The celebration marks Siesta Key’s tribute to the nation’s 250th birthday. Known as the United States semiquincentennial — also called the bisesquicentennial or the quarter millennium — it promises to be a memorable event.

The annual fireworks display is funded entirely by community support. Donations from local residents, businesses and visitors make it possible.

“Every donation, large or small, will help ensure we can light up the sky on this historic and important day,” said Sarah Firstenberger, CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Donations can be made using a QR code featured on Fourth of July Fireworks Fund postcards distributed to merchants throughout Siesta Key. Contributions also may be made at the Chamber office, 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key. Visit siestakeychamber.com or call 941-349-3800 for more information.

The fireworks will take place Saturday, July 4, on Siesta Beach after sunset.

Siesta Beach Volleyball Update

Sarasota County officials report updates to professional volleyball events at Siesta Beach.

Jonathan Poyner of Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources said professional volleyball tournaments will not be part of the 2026 lineup. However, new sporting events are expanding the beach’s offerings.

“New sports tournaments this year highlight ultimate and rugby, drawing national and international players,” Poyner said.

He added that past volleyball organizations played a key role in the beach’s reputation.

“Dig the Beach tournaments were a wonderful addition for 25 years, and the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association also hosted outstanding events. These groups helped put Florida’s west coast on the map for sand volleyball,” he said.

For more information, visit sarasotacountyparks.com or contact the county at 311.

Civics 101 Program Returns

Sarasota County residents interested in learning more about local government can take part in the Civics 101 program.

The classroom-style program offers a behind-the-scenes look at county operations, including presentations from departments and visits to county facilities.

Sessions will be held Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 3, 2026, and running through Nov. 19, 2026.

Permanent and seasonal residents who can attend the full program may sign up to be notified when registration opens. Visit scgov.net/government/communications/civics-101.

Gulf Gate Library May Events

The Gulf Gate Library will host a variety of free events throughout May.

A monthly movie matinee featuring “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope” will be shown May 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. Seating is first come, first served.

Library Babies sessions for infants, toddlers and caregivers will be held May 1 and May 23 from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Children can participate in “Read With the Dogs,” where they practice reading with certified therapy dogs. Sessions are scheduled May 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 4 to 5 p.m. Space is limited and available on a first-come basis.

On May 18 from 6 to 7 p.m., the program “Florida Reflections: Music, Memory and Seminole Life in Florida” will feature Seminole singer-songwriter Rita Youngman.

A lecture on the career of Dame Helen Mirren will be presented May 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. by theater arts expert Marilyn Carminio.

For more information, visit sarasotacountylibraries.org.

Siesta Beach Access 7

Siesta Beach Access 7, located at 402 Beach Road, is about 0.85 miles north of Siesta Beach and offers a quieter coastal experience. Visitors can enjoy white quartz sand and activities such as birding, fishing, shelling, swimming and wildlife viewing.

Native vegetation along the access path includes wax myrtle, Florida privet, sea grape, buttonwood and dune sunflowers.

The dunes also provide important habitat for shorebirds, including the snowy plover, which is listed as threatened under Florida law. Nesting season runs from February through August. Other species commonly seen include sanderlings, ring-billed gulls and semipalmated plovers.

The site was expanded in 2007 and 2009 through Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Parkland Acquisition Program, a voter-approved initiative to preserve natural areas.

Learn more at sarasotacountyparks.com/parks-and-facilities.

Beach Blast Trifecta

The annual Beach Blast Trifecta cleanup will take place May 1-3.

Participants can choose one location or attend all three events. Teens who participate in all three cleanups will earn six service hours and be entered to win a gift card. Prizes will be distributed after the final cleanup.

The schedule is as follows:

• May 1: 5-7 p.m. at Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, 2201 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota (meet at the playground).
  
• May 2: 8-10 a.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road (meet at the Sea Turtle Pavilion).
  
• May 3: 9-11 a.m. at Turtle Beach, 8918 Midnight Pass Road (meet at the playground).
  

The event offers a chance to give back while helping keep local beaches clean.