Swimming for freedom: Crossing the Peace tradition continues

CHARLOTTE HARBOR — Swimmers and kayakers crossed the Peace River on Thursday afternoon with eager crowds on both sides of the course cheering them on.

The traditional Fourth of July Freedom Swim once again drew a healthy crowd despite the heat, as swimmers made their way across the river from Charlotte Harbor to Punta Gorda.

While event organizer Michael Haymans noted that attendance was smaller than usual — and scattered across the shore — there were plenty of boats, swimming tubes, and active swimmers swarming out from under the northern end of the U.S. 41 bridge.

"It should be an easy tide!" he said as the Freedom Swim kicked off.

The Freedom Swim started at Live Oak Point to catch the outgoing tide around 1:30 p.m., though plenty of eager participants got into the water early.

John Miranda, a Port Charlotte resident, decked himself out in patriotic gear, complete with Uncle Sam hat, ahead of diving into the waters himself.

"I've been doing this every year since 2005," he said.

Plenty of other participants color-coordinated with the red, white, and blue in their swimsuits and body-paint for the event. Others adorned their boats or kayaks with the U.S. flag or other patriotic images.

Several participants also hoisted flags supporting Donald Trump for president, and a crowd of supporters waded through the event with a Trump impersonator for photos.

As the event kicked off, swimmers and kayakers made their way toward Fishermen's Village and Gilchrist Park on the southern side of the river.

There, another small crowd of cheering attendees welcomed swimmers as they arrived triumphant.

Sharon Winesett made it across in an impressive hour and seven minutes, having 31 years of experience.

"Actually, it felt pretty good," she said after coming onto shore in Punta Gorda. However, she noted that the waters were warmer than in previous years.

The party continued later in the day with vendors, festival activities, and a fireworks show at Fishermen's Village.