Live Interview at WPBF 25 News — July 4, 2025
In a special televised segment during WPBF 25’s live Independence Day broadcast, Bill Bone joined Chief Meteorologist Chris Martinez and Community Ambassador Mike Lyons to talk about the legacy of the holiday, the American flag ceremony, and the powerful purpose behind the Bill Bone 5K.
“We had 250 runners and walkers today, all coming together not just to race, but to raise money for a really meaningful cause,” said Bone.
That cause is the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, a Palm Beach Gardens-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting injured veterans in South Florida. According to Bone, the charity holds a Platinum rating and directly serves the local community.
What made this year’s event even more special was Bill Bone’s personal commitment to match every dollar raised through the race’s donation portal at billbone5k.com, with a goal of raising over $10,000 for wounded veterans.
“If you donate, I’ll match it. We want to show our veterans how much we care,” Bone added during his live interview at WPBF 25 News Channel.
The Bill Bone 5K has become a staple kickoff to the city’s Fourth of July celebrations, offering a family-friendly, energetic start to the day that aligns perfectly with the patriotic spirit of Fourth on Flagler.
During the broadcast, Bone also shared a bit of local history. He recalled the first-ever fireworks show in West Palm Beach, which actually didn’t happen on July 4th but in 1987 for the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.
“We had Edgar Meese, the U.S. Attorney General, come down. It was a big deal,” Bone said.
That historic celebration featured the now-iconic American flag, which was once again unfurled this year by a team of volunteers, including athletes, local church members, and participants from Wellington Polo, all organized by the Bill Bone Racing Team.
“It’s become like an athletic event to present the flag. It really brings everyone together,” Bone added.
The 5K and flag presentation weren’t just about tradition—they reflected a deeper sense of community.
From local churches to competitive runners, the crowd participating in the early morning event mirrored the diversity and heart of West Palm Beach. Bone’s leadership and continued investment in community-centered activities, such as the Bill Bone 5K, further cement his role as more than just a sponsor—he’s a local advocate with action behind his words.
As fireworks exploded over the Intracoastal and the crowd cheered, the sense of unity sparked earlier that morning by the 5K race still echoed throughout the city.
“This isn’t just about running,” Bone said. “It’s about remembering what our freedoms cost and giving back to those who gave so much.”
The Bill Bone 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a tradition of gratitude, patriotism, and action. And in West Palm Beach, it’s how Independence Day begins—with heart, hope, and a run that truly matters.