Florida City Marks America’s 250th Birthday with Time Capsule Celebration

Florida City celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4 with a community gathering at Fasulo Park, where families enjoyed an afternoon and evening of children’s activities, music and the filling of a time capsule meant to preserve memories for future generations.

The event, held from 2 to 9 p.m., brought residents together for a Fourth of July celebration that honored both the country’s history and Florida City’s own place in South Dade’s story.

City Commissioner Richard Brown, Jr. told the News Leader the celebration was about creating memories for the community.

“We’re celebrating the 250th year of our nation,” Brown said.

“It has always been a blessing to find people that come out and participate in these events, enjoy themselves, have the kids out, and just make it a lasting memory for years to come.”

A major focus of the event was the time capsule, which residents were encouraged to help fill with personal messages, memories and items that reflect life in Florida City today. South Dade News Leader Managing Editor Cameron Smith also brought a copy of the newspaper to be included in the capsule, adding a record of the community’s present-day stories to be preserved for the future.

Mayor Charlotte Thompson said the time capsule was intended to give future generations a look back at the people and memories of this moment.

“We have encouraged people to bring their thoughts, bring memories that are going to go inside the capsule, and we’re going to put it in the ground,” Mayor Thompson said.

“And later, they’re going to bring it back up, and hopefully whatever’s in there is not deteriorated.”

Mayor Thompson, Commissioner Brown and City Manager Dr. James A. Poag were joined by State Senator Ana María Rodríguez and State Representative Kevin D. Chambliss for the loading of the time capsule.

The ceremony also included a look back at local history. Florida Pioneer Museum Executive Director Karon Grunwell Buckley and former Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace shared information on the history of Florida City, Fasulo Park and the first city time capsule, which was buried at City Hall shortly after Hurricane Andrew.

As children rode the train around the park’s lake and families gathered throughout the afternoon, the celebration tied together the country’s national milestone with Florida City’s own memories, leaders and residents.

For those who contributed to the capsule, the hope is that when it is opened years from now, future residents will see not only how Florida City celebrated America’s 250th birthday, but who the community was at this moment in time.