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With Howard Biolchini in charge of the fireworks and David Edge handling the trophies, Bonita Springs was headed toward a fun-filled Fourth of July 30 years ago this week.

Biolchini, ordering fireworks for the Bonita Springs Jaycees, reportedly placed the largest order for the most elaborate fireworks display in the entire southeastern United States.

And Edge, whose First National Bank of Bonita Springs was donating the trophies for the annual parade down Old 41, was giving prizes for first, second and third place in a variety of categories.

The community was celebrating the country's 200th birthday with a Freedom Festival starting July 1 with a Jaycee Baby Pageant. Festivities continued July 2 with the Miss Bonita Springs Pageant, followed by a ceremony on Sunday, July 4, that called for horn-blowing across the nation. The fun wrapped up with a parade and fireworks on Monday, July 5.

Bonitans spent months planning the bicentennial celebration. Efforts included burying of a time capsule outside the Community Hall following the parade. The capsule, donated by Earl G. Hodges Funeral Home, was an off-white, casket-shaped vault made of extra heavy fiberglass.

"Inside are letters, newspapers, documents, pictures and information to be opened in the year 2076 by those who will be participating in the nation's tricentennial," Tish Gray wrote in The Banner.

In other news, Bonitans were assured that week that the Florida Department of Transportation would do everything possible to direct traffic from the U.S. 41 bypass to the Old 41 business district. This promise came after Bonitans lobbied for increased signage due to fears the new highway would draw traffic away from the old part of town.

A Fort Myers Beach man died that week from injuries received in a one-car accident on U.S. 41 just north of the Spring Creek bridge. Abram Goberman, 20, was pinned under the wreckage of his 1967 Mustang after it left the road and flipped twice.

At the Trail Drive-In, Nick Nolte was starring in "Return to Macon County" and Bruce Lee had top billing in "Dragon Dies Hard."