City of Palmetto to kick off Independence Day with historic groundbreaking for Patriot Park
New Palmetto Park at 14th Avenue West named to honor America250
The City of Palmetto will proudly begin a historic Independence Day this year with a public groundbreaking for its newest community greenspace, Patriot Park.
City Commissioners earlier this month commemorated the 4-acre park in honor of
America250. The site is located at the southwest corner of 14th Avenue West and 10th
Street West. When complete in the summer of 2027, Patriot Park will include eight
pickleball courts, a basketball court and a playground. There will also be a covered pavilion, a multi-use field, a walking trail and 55 parking spaces.
The historic day begins at 9 a.m. at the corner of 14th Avenue and 10th Street West,
Palmetto. It will serve as the unofficial kickoff to a historic Independence Day, hours before the Palmetto Fourth Fest celebration begins at Riverside Park.
Palmetto Fourth Fest will be July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Palmetto Riverside Park. The free community celebration — co-presented with the City of Bradenton and Manatee County along the banks of the Manatee River — will feature headliner Soul Circus Cowboys, a lineup of food trucks and artisan vendors, family games and activities, and a fireworks show over the river to cap the night.
Recently named by the City Commission to honor the nation’s milestone, Patriot Park will stand as a lasting legacy of the Semiquincentennial and will serve residents of all ages for generations to come.
“July 4, 2026, is a day I hope many of us will never forget, and we wanted to ensure
Palmetto marks this 250th anniversary with something genuine and lasting,” said Mayor Dan West. “Patriot Park will be one of our largest and most versatile parks. Because we’re tying it in with America250, it will be a permanent reminder of our community’s pride in this great country.”
The historic 9 a.m. groundbreaking ceremony will honor those who came before us and mark the beginning of a new community gathering place for future generations.
Commissioners, State Representatives, local elected officials, board members and the community are all invited to attend.
Members of the public, local businesses, and civic organizations are invited to attend
before transitioning to the afternoon’s Fourth Fest activities.
Earlier this month Mayor West challenged Palmetto’s business community to join in
celebrating America’s 250th birthday by decorating storefronts, windows, and entryways with flags, bunting, and patriotic displays starting on Flag Day, June 14, and continuing through July 14.
Participating businesses are displaying American flags, red-white-and-blue bunting,
patriotic window clings, banners, and other festive and respectful patriotic décor from
June 14 to July 14.