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Letter to the editor

Joys of independence

Many area celebrations depart from the usuals of food and fireworks.

By Times Staff Writer
Published July 5, 2004

In Florida and around Tampa Bay, there is much more to Independence Day than barbecue and fireworks. Here are a few glimpses from this most American of holidays.

STILL PLENTY OF BANG: In Hernando County, there were no fireworks Sunday, but that doesn't mean it was quiet. Several hundred spectators showed up at the Hernando Sportsman's Club's annual machine gun shoot. They looked on as about 60 shooters peppered junk cars and demolished targets bearing the image of Osama bin Laden. "It's a pretty awesome sight to see," said Nick Olsen of Tampa, who came to watch one of the largest machine gun exhibitions in the state. "This is the Second Amendment in action."

GONE TO THE DOGS: July Fourth is not much fun for the Humane Society of North Pinellas. On Sunday afternoon, people there were preparing for a full house of dogs that run off after being frightened by fireworks. "(July 4) is probably the worst night of the year for us when it comes to stray dogs," said executive director Rick Chaboudy. "This is the night they get out and run." Chaboudy said extra volunteers worked Sunday night to care for the frightened canines. Cats, Chaboudy said, are less likely to flee.

THE WATERMELON CRAWL: About half of the nation's watermelons are grown in Florida. But despite this holiday's long association with the juicy fruit, growers are glum. Prices are way down - 6 cents a pound, compared with the typical 10 to 12 cents. "If they get rainy weather up North and it's not good and hot, people don't buy watermelon," said grower Eddie Higginbotham, who farms in Campville. And the outlook is getting worse: Unsold Florida melons will soon compete with other, later-harvesting states' output, further depressing prices.

REASON TO LIE LOW: Eugene Hobbie, 79, said things were quiet Sunday in Bagdad, his hometown for 30 years. The Panhandle town of 1,490 was doing nothing special to offset possible public relations problems from having a name pronounced like - but spelled differently from - the Iraqi city. "I like our name just fine," Hobbie said. "I wouldn't want to change it at all."

NO CALLS OF MAYDAY: In Treasure Island, a dozen people competed in a race Sunday of vessels built entirely of wood, plastic and duct tape. In the annual Wacky Raft Race at Treasure Island County Beach, teams of four raced 400 yards through the surf. Unlike previous years, no boats sank during the competition, said Harry Black, president-elect of the Gulf Beaches Rotary Club, which sponsors the event. "It seemed to be the best yet," Black said. "They all made it."

VROOM IN FOR THANKS: In Pasco County, a fleet of about 20 motorcycles rolled into the parking lot behind Amvets Post 16 in Hudson on Sunday afternoon in a show of support for veterans. "It's one way of saying thank you for the freedom," said Anthony Spuur, 49.

- Times staff writers Aaron Sharockman, Molly Moorhead and Logan Neill and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

[Last modified July 4, 2004, 23:47:25]