More than 1,500 cars from socially estranged families attended the sold-out Fireworks on the Lake Friday at Nathan Benderson Park to celebrate Independence Day.
SARASOTA – 9-year-old Javonnie Jackson sank into a cloth chair next to her beloved grandmother on the north shore of the lake in Nathan Benderson Park, the closest place she can find to Fireworks on the Lake.
The adorable couple was together for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The last time they saw each other was in the Zoom video conferencing app for their birthday.
“Javonnie’s ninth birthday was celebrated with her sister’s fourth birthday at Zoom with the family, and I have not seen my grandchildren since the end of February,” said Zoraida Rullan of Venice, 69. “So today is our first weekend together, and as you can see, she’s flossing because she’s so excited.”
Javonnie counted down the minutes until the show began, eagerly noting that they didn’t start quickly at 9 p.m. Behind him, nearly 1,500 cars parked around the 2019 World Rowing Championships and the Olympic and Paralympic Team Tests.
The socially distanced driving event sold a limited number of tickets for safety and was one of the only July 4th fireworks, and public events, in the area.
Douglas Jessmer, media manager at Nathan Benderson Park, says the program had more than 3,400 shells and lasted approximately 20 minutes.
Stephen Rodríguez, president and CEO of the park’s nonprofit organization, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates Inc., says important changes were made in the coronavirus era.
There were none of the normal emotions of Independence Day.
“We eliminated live music,” said Rodríguez. “We used to have bands and food and beverage sales, but we eliminated that. We ask everyone to stay in their cars, or if they wish, to stay outside their car within their designated area.”
Those outside their cars were asked to wear masks, which are not mandatory in public in Sarasota County. Most people obeyed and respected each family’s area.
“We are here to fulfill some missions, all of them focused on the community,” Rodríguez said. “Whether it’s the tourism aspect or the creation of entertainment value in the park, that could be a world championship event or a festival. This is our chance to serve our community and provide something to do.”
Nathan Benderson Park closed at 4pm for preparations and reopened to guests at 7pm. The show started around 9:15 PM. It was broadcast live on Facebook.
For those unable to attend, the fireworks show is slated to air at 8 p.m. Saturday on ABC7 WWSB as part of an Independence Day special. (Other televised July 4 specials will include PBS’s 40th annual “A Capitol Fourth”, featuring presenters John Stamos and Vanessa Williams, from 8 to 9:30 pm, and a “Macy’s July 4 Fireworks Spectacular” special. scheduled to air 8-10pm on NBC.)
When asked by Grandma Rutlan how many stars she gave to the show, Javonnie said, “One million, one billion, millions and decillions.”
Danielle Caiano of Lakewood Ranch, who attended with her two children and a friend with two other children, said it was a relief to leave.
“It definitely made me feel more secure (the parking lot),” Caiano said. “I have stayed with people who know where they have been. I would not have felt comfortable coming here if someone could come without a ticket and just park or meet.”
It was the first time that Caiano and his children, ages 3 and 6, had seen fireworks together.
“Thank you all for coming and having a good time and enjoying the park,” said Rodríguez. “See you next July 4th.”
