Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the launch of America250FL, Florida's "official hub for the yearlong commemoration."

On July 4, a series of demonstrations erupted across the United States in protest of President Donald Trump and his administration's policies. The protests on the country's 249th anniversary came less