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This year, the 4th of July called for something different.
Join me for a distinctly American journey below.
Discover Cayman Jack margarita for yourself.
The ferry left the southern tip of Pinellas County, Florida at 10:00a.m.
sharp on July 4th.
As the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disappeared in the distance, the ferry approached the beach ofEgmont Key.
Egmont Keys beaches look and feel like none other in Florida.
The islands interior features long brick roads that seem to lead to nowhere.
Here, a tunnel of palms points to one of the batteries of Ft. Dade.
This fort was constructed to defend Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American war of the late 1800s.
Inside, reinforced rooms held ammunition and personnel in the event of a battle.
These rooms stand silent today, showing their disrepair as the sands around them slowly wash away.
There were five batteries originally built on Egmont Key, three of which are accessible on foot today.
Around these forts, the island is alive with nature.
Here, black skimmers rest in the hot summer sun.
This portion of beach is roped off, protected by guards that are stationed whenever visitors are present.
Wildflowers grow throughout the island, including this ghostly figure that demanded some attention from my lens.
Fort De Sotois another old fort along Floridas gulf coast.
Beyond the historical value, Fort De Soto also features one of the finest beaches in the United States.
Fort De Sotos north beach is divided by inter-coastal inlets that surround its powdery sand beaches.
Like Egmont Key, there is no development on this beach, it is natural and untouched.
Surprisingly still cold, this margarita was precisely the punctuation this day needed.
My 4th of July featured all the history, culture and natural beauty I could have desired.
Heres to you and yours on this holiday and beyond.
Id love to see you join the conversation there!
Abandoned Beach Forts of Florida | Gallery
