TARPON SPRINGS, FLa. — Two years ago, Julianna Day sat on a bench in Dorsett Park on June 19, alone.
"I was the only one here and I wanted to celebrate my history," says Day.
WATCH: Tarpon Springs community celebrates 2nd annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
This fueled her motivation to bring her community together yearly to celebrate Juneteenth.
"My whole vision is sustainability. To reach each community, street by street, and as we work today, we just pray that this will boom even bigger each year," says Day.
And with the celebration comes opportunity for families like Tiffany and Nelson Butler.
Tiffany has just started her self-owned business, Tiffany's Touch. And Saturday, she had the opportunity to share that touch with friends and community members. But also to share the celebration with Nelson and their kids.
"To see all the different walks of life come together to celebrate. It's a blessing. It's a blessing, man. It's a major blessing," says Nelson.
For Day's dream, the second annual event was a success, but growing bigger every year is the goal.
“I didn't see anything"
Nine-year-old Leah Lendel and her family were enjoying a day at the beach in Boca Grande when a shark bit her hand. Over a week later, she appeared at a press conference with her family at Tampa General Hospital to give an update on her recovery.
