It's National Slurpee Day. Here's how to get your free drink today ... and another for later

Temperatures across Florida may be a little cooler today, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s, but that doesn't mean you can't — or shouldn't — enjoy a free Slurpee today.

Yes, it's National Slurpee Day, the day when 7-Eleven celebrates is 97th birthday.

Don't worry, you can still enjoy your morning coffee first, before you head to the closest store for the frozen concoction and possible brain freeze.

July 11, which is 7-11 in case your caffeine hasn't kicked in yet, is the day when 7-Eleven celebrates its birthday by giving away a free small Slurpee. And it's not just at 7-Eleven stores, but also at Speedway and Stripes.

Here's what you should know about not only today's freebie but other deals.

When is free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven?

Slurpee Day is today, Thursday, July 11. The day marks the 97th anniversary of the founding of 7-Eleven.

How can you get a free Slurpee?

No purchase is necessary to get a free small Slurpee. Just go into a participating 7-Eleven, Speedway or Stripes store to get your free drink. The offer is good only on July 11 while supplies last.

Free Slurpee also available at Speedway, Stripes stores

The free small Slurpee is available not only at 7-Eleven, but also at Speedway and Stripes stores.

7-Eleven Inc. operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the RoostChicken and Biscuits locations.

2024 special Slurpee flavor: Mountain Dew

To celebrate Slurpee Day, participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores will feature limited-time-only MTN DEW Freedom Fusion. Not your thing? Every Slurpee drink flavor is available, the company said.

Want another free Slurpee? Here's how to get one

You can get more than than just one free Slurpee today. Scan your 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards membership information and you will get a coupon for another free small Slurpee.

Use your 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards at checkout to receive the additional free small Slurpee drink that can be redeemed anytime through July 31.

Download the app on Apple App Store or via Google Play. There is no cost to sign up for 7Rewards.

To become a SpeedyRewards member, download the app in the Apple App Store or via Google Play.

Want to win free Slurpees for year, or free snacks?

You can also get a chance to win free Slurpees for an entire year — or free snacks for a year — by using your 7Rewards or Speedy Rewards apps, or by purchasing certain products such as Doritos, Coca-Cola and Celsius energy drinks.

For rules on various ways to enter the 7-Eleven Snacks or Sips for a Year contest, click here.

Free Slurpee cups support Children's Miracle Network

This year, the free small Slurpees come in a special edition cup designed with the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

"Designed by Children's Miracle Network Hospitals National Champion, Nolan, the Slurpee cup will aim to bring hope to other pediatric cancer patients and inspire everyone this Slurpee season," the company said in a news release.

At the age of 3, Nolan was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer that develops in the retina. Nolan’s left eye was surgically removed, and he was fitted for a prosthetic eye, his “superhero eye” as he likes to call it. In August of that year, he started chemotherapy at CHRISTUS Children’s and completed his treatment in time for his fourth birthday, 7-Eleven said on its website.

Customers also can support the charity by making a donation when they come into stores.

More Slurpee-related treats at 7-Eleven

When you visit 7-Eleven, look for limited-edition Hostess Twinkies with cherry Slurpee-flavored cream filling. The treat is expected to be available in stores through mid-August.

And if you are lucky, you might still find the Drumstick Slurpee Blue Raspberry Vanilla Cone, a Drumstick ice cream cone with a blue raspberry Slurpee layer. The limited edition treat, made with "delicious blue razz sauce ripples and candy bits," debuted in June and was expected to be available at least through the July Fourth holiday.

Want even more? Head to the chain's online merchandise shop, where you will find new 7Collection hats, shirts and other items.

7-Eleven also has released a limited-time Birthday Collection capsule, exclusively on 7Collection. The capsule features a variety of custom merch and party supplies, "perfect for those who celebrate the same birthday as 7-Eleven — or even those who just love the brand! Grab your swag and get ready for Slurpee season."

How many 7-Eleven stores are there in Florida, around the world?

Today, 7‑Eleven said it has more stores than any other retailer in the world: more than 84,000 across 20 countries.

Hasdata reports there are 1,062 7-Eleven stores in Florida, behind California's 1,788 and Texas' 1,298.

ScrapeHero reports slightly different numbers, although Florida still ranks third behind California and Texas for the most stores in the U.S. ScrapeHero reports there are 1,021 7-Eleven stores in Florida, behind 1,896 in California and 1,368 in Texas.

7-Eleven known originally as Tote'm Stores

The first 7-Eleven was founded in 1927 as an icehouse storefront in Dallas, Texas. Until 1946, it was known as Tote'm Stores.

How did 7-Eleven get its name?

The name change from Tote’m Stores to 7-Eleven was made to reflect the stores' new extended hours —–7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: 7-Eleven offering free Slurpees today. Florida locations, Speedway