By Lee Melsek

Miss Florida grinned and giggled with every kid and grown up having their picture taken with her.
Semmer Electric's bus boomed patriotic tunes.
A family from foggy London romped on the beach, cheered the parade and marveled at the spectacular fireworks show..
"What a wonderful county we gave you," Englishman Mike Rowney quipped, referring to the American Revolution.
All around him were the traditions of what may become his family's new home.
Bruce Cermak passed out free drinks outside his new Surf Club
Young and old lined up along both sides of Estero Boulevard applauded the floats, cars, trucks and beauty queens rolling by in front of them.
Fort Myers Beach was saying happy 233rd to America in its own way - lots of sizzle and sweat on a steamy day.
"This is great, my first parade," Lees Garcia, Miss Florida, said. "It was so much fun. I love it here."
Old timers couldn't remember our island ever hosting a Miss Florida before. Now, we can do it every year.
Miss Florida Pageant Director Suzi Hosfeld said our island can host Miss Florida every year in the Civic Association's Fourth of July Parade.
"We'll come back anytime you want us," said Hosfeld, who lives in Lee County. "Anything you want."
Garcia was a huge hit, making the rounds before and after the parade, posing for pictures with anyone who asked, and there were lots of people asking.
Two girls, Dana and Olivia, cornered Garcia at the parade staging area early and gave her hugs.
"MIss Florida, will you take a picture with me," Dana asked. She got as many as she wanted.
Old guys at the Surf Club and Beached Whale didn't pass up the chance either. The beach loved her. She donned a parade t-shirt advertising the parade's business sponsors and waded into the big crowd shaking hands and posing with anyone who aimed a camera at her.
She passed out the plaques to the various parade winners at the Surf Club and had her picture taken with those who were there.
Garcia ended her day at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa where a huge crowd greeted her and asked for more pictures. She was accompanied by Miss Sarasota, Miss Fort Myers and Miss Calusa Harbor.
By 9 p.m.the shoreline and beach park were teaming with people as Bill Semmer's fireworks show lit up the dark sky, igniting not only skyrockets but roars of appreciation from the crowd.


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