Before the parades, barbecues and fireworks begin, hundreds of adventurous Treasure Coast residents kick off Independence Day with one of Vero Beach's most unique traditions—the annual Swim to the Wreck. Each July 4, beginning around 8 a.m., participants gather near Sexton Plaza and the Ocean Grill before making the roughly quarter-mile journey offshore to the S.S. Breconshire, better known locally as the "Boiler Wreck." The event continues until about noon, and there's no of

Here's where to celebrate on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Sebastian – Freedom Festival & Fireworks Location: Riverview Park, Sebastian Sebastian's annual Freedom Festival begins with one of the Treasure Coast's favorite Independence Day traditions—the patriotic parade through downtown Sebastian. The celebration continues throughout the day at Riverview Park with food vendors, live entertainment, family activities, and community exhibits. Schedule 8:30 a.m. – Freedom Parade Daytime

Summer is a great time for nature-loving newcomers to find their own special place and purpose on the Treasure Coast. For the recently arrived who find themselves in awe of Florida's wild and natural landscapes, there are many ways not only to passively observe its beautiful environment but to become an active participant in helping to preserve, shape, and, in many cases, help rebuild what is uniquely and naturally Florida. During the summer months, many local organizations l

For newcomers to the area, the first time a tropical system puts the Treasure Coast in its cone of uncertainty, the experience can give you a pretty intense case of the yips. Social media lights up, people descend hurriedly upon grocery and hardware stores, water and other items disappear quickly from the shelves, and neighbors are suddenly dragging out the shutters. Things seem weirdly frantic. And somewhere between checking your phone and watching the palms start to bend, i