Privateers planning Independence Day parade

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will host a Fourth of July parade on the holiday, beginning at about 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach. The July 4 parade route will stretch from South Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach to the Anna Maria City Pier at the east end of Pine Avenue. Participation in the parade is open to the public and there is no entrance fee. Privateers encourage entrants to show their “red, white and blue” pride and entries must be on wheels — no walking or marching because the all-island route is too long. After the parade, the Privateers will host a scholarship awards ceremony at the AMI Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive at the Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach. The party will feature the presentation of more than $17,000 in college scholarships to local students. Also, there will be an after-party at DCoy Ducks, 5410 Marina Drive. For more information, call Kim Chauncey Boyd 931-639-0986 or visit the Privateers’ website at amiprivateers.org.