Politics and fireworks have always been a good mix on Miami-Dade's 4th of July

Whether it’s parades, picnics, concerts or just the fireworks show, it wouldn’t be a Fourth of July event in Miami-Dade if there wasn’t an elected from the county or one of it’s 34 municipalities out celebrating with loved ones, friends and constituents.

Wannabe electeds must go out and campaignwith their very visible t-shirts and hats. It’s apparently a rule.

Ladra collected some photos posted on social media and has gathered them here in one place for my dear readers. Enjoy. And remember, freedom isn’t free.

From what Ladra saw on social media, the historic Key Biscayne 4th of July parade is a political junkie’s dream. There seemed to be more politicians there than marching bands or fire trucks. Political Cortadito found photos of School Board Member Mari Tere Rojas, former senator and Miami-Dade Clerk candidate Annette Taddeo, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Public Safety Director James Reyes, who is running for county sheriff, State Rep. Vicky Lopez, former State Rep. JC Planas, who is running for Supervisor of Elections.

Both former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey and Miami-Dade School Board Member Lucia Baez-Geller, who are facing each other in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 27 — to go up against U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar in November — walked in the Key Biscayne parade, also.

Planas also spent time in Miami with his family and Miami City Commissioner Miguel Gabela at Curtis Park in Allapattah. Later, the Planas brood finished at Peacock Park.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera had, as Ladra predicted, a very busy day going to different events in his district. He rode in a parade and then hobnobbed with the peasants, and spent some of the day at Hialeah’s city celebration with Mayor Esteban “Steve” Bovo before ending the night in Coral Gables, alongside Mayor Vince Lago, Commissioners Rhonda Anderson, Ariel Fernandez and Kirk Menendez and Congressman Carlos Gimenez. (And Ladra thanks him for actively posting).

Doral Councilman Rafael Pineyro celebrated with is family at the Doral city celebration.

Ladra could not find photos of Sweetwater Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz, a former county commissioner, celebrating. But he was nice enough to help the city’s staff prepare for their event.

Ladra could also not find any photos of mayoral candidates Manny Cid, mayor of Miami Lakes, or Alex Otaola, actor, influencer and podcaster with a penchant for doing outrageous shit. But an Otaola supporter sporting a t-shirt of the Cuban-American comedic gossip columnist and Donald Trump stood next to Levine Cava and then superimposed his hat over La Alcaldesa‘s head.

Again, not a serious candidate.

But Levine Cava, who doesn’t really have to worry about him, sure takes it in stride.

Even though her face and body language says, “¡No me digas!