STRATHMERE--- Fireworks could soon be flying in one Cape May County island community as residents are truly seeking independence this fourth of July.

"This is what our country's built on, the freedom to move forward and change.

Randy Roash, a member of the "Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach" organization, joined others as they fittingly demonstrated during this island community's forth of July parade.

While the country celebrates Independence Day, residents here in Strathmere are fighting to claim their independence from Upper Township.

Roash says, "Upper Township's a fine community but we feel we are working with a government that's more concerned with mainland issues."

George Welker, who has lived in Strathmere his entire life and who is also the Presidents of the organization says, "This country was founded on taxation without representation and pretty much that's what we're living today."

Members say residents are pursuing de-annexation from Upper Township because they simply cannot live here and longer, "We're getting hammered with the tax bill because they're using a mainland tax rate for an island community." Says Welker.

Dozens of homes were adorned with decorations and FOR SALE signs, these residents are taking a stand!

Welker explains, "When people went to the county to have their taxes re-evaluated or re-assessed the people in Cape May County said, 'Well, you folks in Strathmere are a bunch of millionaires and if you can't afford it, sell 'it.'"

Roash says they have been very surprised at the level of support, "we have a need to get 60 percent of the registered voters to support us through a petition process and we far exceed that number."

But the mayor of Upper Township, Rich Palombo says, the plans for secession haven't been made official yet, "At this point, we haven't received any documents; everything is here say and innuendos. I'll need to work with a committee to ensure that whatever is best for the township, that's what will take place."

Officials with the "Citizens for Strathmere and Whale Beach" organization, say they're planning to hold a meeting in August to discuss their next legal move.

To e-mail Veronica Dudo at NBC-40: vdudo@nbc40.net