Orlando apologizes for message critical of Independence Day after backlash 

The city of Orlando said it “regrets the negative impact” its statement issued ahead of Independence Day had after questioning whether Fourth of July celebrations were appropriate. 

In a July 1 email newsletter promoting the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks, the city of Orlando questioned whether Independence Day celebrations were appropriate in the wake of “division, hate, and unrest” across the country. 

“A lot of people probably don’t want to celebrate our nation right now, and we can’t blame them. When there is so much division, hate and unrest, why on earth would you want to have a party celebrating any of it?" the statement began.

The statement sparked a backlash from local residents, social media users, politicians, and a local police union. In protest, they called the statement “disrespectful.” 

We do not share the same views as the City of Orlando and find their comments in inflammatory and in poor taste. #cityoforlando pic.twitter.com/TESZXNJh8z

— FOP Lodge 25 Orlando (@FOP25) July 2, 2022

A day later, Orlando officials issued an apology on behalf of the city on Facebook and Twitter. 

“The City of Orlando sincerely regrets the negative impact our words have had on some in our community,” the statement read. 

“We understand these words offended some of our residents, which was not our intent. We value the freedoms we have in this country and are thankful to the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for those. We take pride in celebrating the 4th of July to express our gratitude to those men and women and honor the country we live in.”

A statement from the City of Orlando pic.twitter.com/CbCcOOCATz

— City of Orlando is Prepared for Hurricane Season (@citybeautiful) July 2, 2022

Despite the apology, many social media users continued to criticize the city for its comments. 

"It is because of our independence that we are able to disagree, voice our opinions, and encourage our government to be of the people, by the people, and for the people—not only those with whom we agree. There is so very much to celebrate," said one user. 

Spokeswoman for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Christina Pushaw, was critical of both the original message and the city’s apology. 

“Oh, here we go,” spokeswoman Christina Pushaw tweeted. “The City of Orlando apologizes if you were offended by their attack on 4th of July. This is what happens when you elect Democrats, you guys… they do not have the same view of America as we do.”

Yikes. City of Orlando, is this your official position on our country and on 4th of July? @citybeautiful pic.twitter.com/DJBfaJBGxC

— Christina Pushaw 🐊 🇺🇸 (@ChristinaPushaw) July 3, 2022