Community Corner

Patch Minute: Where to Watch Holiday Boat Parades

We have the scoop on where to go to watch lighted boat parades in South Pinellas County. From Gulfport to Madeira Beach and St. Pete, we'll fill you in on what to know before you go.

Welcome to this week's Patch Minute!

It's that time of year, Christmas in Florida! That means sandcastles and sandmen at the beaches. It also means holiday shopping in flip flops instead of snow boots for many. It wouldn't be a "Florida" Christmas without a night out to watch the boat parade.

While there are plenty of boat parades to choose from, if you stop by Madeira Beach, you can be in the parade by booking a seat on one of two boats at Hubbard's Marina. Call 727-393-1947 to reserve your seat for tonight's parade. Watch our video and hear more.

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check out our list of local boat parades this weekend!

St. Pete Beach

Find out what's happening in St. Petewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Friday, Dec. 7
  • 6 p.m.
  • The parade will start at the Blind Pass Bridge and end at the Bayway Bridge. There will be a watch party at Horan Park at 7701 Boca Ciega Drive with live music, crafts and a visit from Santa.

Madeira Beach

  • Friday, Dec. 7
  • 6:30 p.m.
  • Boats will meet northeast of John's Pass Village and boardwalk at 6 p.m. and then head to John's Pass for the parade to start at 6:30 p.m.

St. Petersburg

  • Saturday, Dec. 8
  • 6 p.m.
  • Bruce Watters Jeweler’s Illuminated Boat Parade event at Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, has holiday activities at the south end of the park, including food and beverages, live entertainment before and after the parade from 3 - 10 p.m. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Dream Fund and Rotary charities. Pick a spot in any waterfront park and watch the Illuminated Boat Parade go by.

Gulfport

  • Saturday, Dec. 8
  • 6 p.m.
  • Boats will start lining up by the Gulfport Municipal Marina at 5:30 p.m. The parade will begin by entering the Gulfport Municipal Marina at approximately 6 p.m. It will then travel past the William's Pier in Gulfport and into the canals of Town Shores Condominiums and Pasadena Yacht & Country Club Estates. Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club will be included on the route as well. The parade will cross the bay and pass by the club docks before returning to BCYC. Pick a spot at the Williams Pier, Gulfport Beach or behind the Gulfport Recreation Center by 6 p.m.

Treasure Island

  • Saturday, Dec. 8
  • 6:30 p.m.
  • The parade starts at The Club at Treasure Island around 6:20 and will arrive at TI Causeway Bridge around 7 p.m. It's expected to finishe at John's Pass around 8:15 p.m.

The best public viewing areas include:

  • 115th Ave. on Isle of Palms
  • Treasure Island Causeway Bridge
  • Kingfish Drive at John's Pass (Gator's Cafe & Saloon)
  • Blind Pass Bridge (between Treasure Island & St. Pete Beach)

For more information about boat parades at Redingtong Beach/Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach check out the article, "The Lighted Boat Parades on the Beaches." Those parades are coming the next two weeks.


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