Traffic plan released for Freedom Festival at CoolToday Park
Published on June 25, 2025
City officials have released the following traffic plan for travel to and from the City of North Port’s annual Freedom Festival. This event will be held at CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, and starts at 6 p.m. on July 4, 2025.
Free parking will be available at the park, and the public is encouraged to carpool. A traffic management plan has been established to ensure safe entry and exit—slow and safe is the motto of the day!
The exciting opening ceremony will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. and will include the presentation of colors by Imagine at North Port Young Marines, the National Anthem performed by Jennifer Montalvo, and a special flyover by the Gulf Coast Raptor Formation Flight Team. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., weather permitting.
"We're excited to welcome the community to this year's Freedom Festival," said Shelby Mendelson, Recreation Manager. "With thousands expected to attend, we are asking everyone to be mindful. Plan ahead, travel safely, and consider carpooling. Let's come together to celebrate responsibly and create lasting memories this Independence Day."
The City would like to thank our sponsors for this event: Presenting Sponsor American Irrigation, Visit Sarasota, Wharton Smith, Inc., BB Living Wellen Park, Antolino’s Pizza, Bath Fitter, Correct Property Management & Real Estate, Holiday Glow FL, Worksite, 5th Nail Lounge, Mathnasium, The Gallery at North Port Senior Living, Caddy Carts, Do the Happy Bounce, Gulf Coast Raptors Formation Flight Team, Imagine at North Port Young Marines, Loveland Center, North Port Area Chamber of Commerce, Playtime Paradise LLC, Rocket Mortgage, Sarasota County, The Hadley @ North Port.
To receive safety and event-related messages about the festival, text FREEDOM25 to 888-777. More information can be found at NorthPortFL.gov/FreedomFestival.
ENTRANCE PLAN
From North Port: Vehicles traveling from City of North Port and from the East must use West Villages Parkway as the primary entry route. Additional access points include Mezzo Drive and Playmore Blvd., which also provide convenient entry to the event area. Playmore Blvd. will be closed from 9-9:30 p.m. for the fireworks show, weather permitting.
From Venice: Vehicles traveling from Venice and from the West may enter through Preto Blvd. and turn left onto Playmore Blvd. to access the event location.
If Preto Blvd. road closure continues, vehicles may continue down US 41 and turn right onto W. Villages Pkwy.
EXIT PLAN
To North Port: Travel north on West Villages Parkway and make a right at US 41.
To Venice: Travel north on West Villages Parkway, make a left on Playmore Blvd., then make a right on Preto Blvd. and finally make a left on US 41.
If Preto Blvd. road closure continues, vehicles may continue down W. Villages Pkwy and turn left onto US 41 toward Venice.