Pine Avenue will be packed for the Anna Maria Veterans Day parade.
Mayor Dan Murphy said Oct. 27 city staff was preparing for this year’s event to be the “biggest and best we’ve ever had” in the absence of Palmetto’s annual parade.
“We’ve got so many entries as a result of Palmetto canceling their parade,” Murphy said. “It’s going to be a fun event.”
The parade will step off at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive, and march to City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., where the city will host a ceremony.
The parade will include the Anna Maria Island Privateers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ cheerleaders, as well as five marching bands — from Braden River, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee, Palmetto and Southeast high schools.
U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps from Bradenton River, Manatee and Palmetto also will march in the processional.
In total, about 48 entries were signed up to participate in the parade as of Nov. 4, including state Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, according to city clerk LeAnne Addy.
Murphy said Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Manning and his wife, Corrie, will serve as marshals.
The ceremony at the park will include a religious invocation, recognition of veterans and their special others, and end with patriotic music by the Lakewood Ranch High School marching band.
The city plans to temporarily close several roadways to accommodate the event:
- Pine Avenue will close at 9 a.m.;
- South Bay Boulevard from Spring Avenue to Pine Avenue will close at 9 a.m.;
- North Bay Boulevard from Pine Avenue to the north end of Bayfront Park will close at 9 a.m.;
- Gulf Drive between Magnolia and Pine avenues will close “as early as” 11 a.m.
“Roads will reopen as soon as safely possible after the parade,” according to a news release from the city.
Additionally, all Pine Avenue trolley stops will be bypassed 9 a.m.-3 p.m., during which time the city pier trolley stop will be relocated to the intersection of Spring Avenue and South Bay Boulevard.
People can learn more about the event online, at cityofannamaria.com, or by calling 941-708-6130, ext. 110.