WWII aircraft flyover to replace Fourth of July fireworks in downtown Fort Myers

Changes are coming to the Fourth of July event in downtown Fort Myers.

The Fort Myers River District Alliance announced Wednesday that the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team will fly WWII aircraft over the city, and there will be no fireworks show.

They say you’ll be able to watch the show from your backyard or in downtown Fort Myers, perhaps as you support a local business.

“We really wanted to do something that the community could be inspired by,” said Lisa Sbuttoni with the RDA.

“If you’re outside having a barbecue with your family, which many people do normally on July 4, all you’ll have to do is look up in the sky and see these beautiful jets flying by.”

Restaurants downtown will be open, which means you could even enjoy the flyover while dining.

Chris Blauvelt, owner of The Standard Restaurant, will be one of those ready to serve on Independence Day.

“Hopefully they’ll be able to close the street and we’ll be able to put some tables and chairs out in the middle of the street and have cocktails and dinner and lunch available to everyone.”

For Sbuttoni, supporting a neighbor is the best way to spend any holiday, no matter what it looks like.

“Business owners, they’re our friends, they’re our neighbors. They have these businesses and they built them up from nothing and they’re a part of this community.”

Organizers have not released any further details on the flyover event. More information will be posted on their website.

The city’s announcement comes just a day after Cape Coral announced it’s postponing its “Red, White & Boom” Fourth of July event to Labor Day.