Central Florida - On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million. The nation’s estimated population on this July Fourth is 318.3 million. As always, the most patriotic day of all holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbeques across the country. Here is a list of local events celebrating our Nation’s independence.

Tallahassee, FL - Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 851 that lowers tuition for all Florida students.
Governor Scott said, “Making sure all Floridians have access to an affordable higher education is one of my top priorities.