ST. PETERSBURG, Fla — Communities around the Tampa Bay area are gathering to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights hero and activist who fought for the rights of all people during the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.
Each year Tampa Bay area communities hold parades to commemorate and honor King on the national holiday named in his honor.
Here is a list of cities and communities celebrating MLK Day.
This family-friendly event celebrates the national holiday commemorating the birth of one of our greatest American heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The parade will include floats, marching bands, equestrian groups and decorated vehicles for a variety of organizations and groups.
Time and location:
12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. The parade begins at Cuscaden Park - 2901 N 15th St., Tampa, FL 33605.
Get ready! Downtown St. Petersburg is celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade begins at 1st Avenue South. There will be marching bands, performers, public figures and more to commemorate the day.
Time and location:
11 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2022, at Tropicana Field - 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33705.
The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs is holding a 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Breakfast. A group of 1,000 attendees including corporate sponsors, politicians, members of grassroots organizations and the community will gather to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The keynote speaker at the breakfast is Reverend Emanuel Cleaver, II. The breakfast costs $50.
Time and location:
6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2022, at Tampa Marriott Water Street - 505 Water Street Tampa, FL 33602.
The Sarasota MLK Celebration Committee is joining together to host the 2022 Annual Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Memorial Breakfast and Community Awards. While the event is sold out, the theme for the annual breakfast and community awards is “Love All, Accept All.” This year’s keynote speaker is Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Associate Rabbi, Temple Emanu-EL.
Time and location:
7:30 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2022, at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex - 1845 34th Street Sarasota, FL 34234.
You can also tune into 10 Tampa Bay at 3 p.m. on Jan. 17, for "A King's Dream" where we take a deeper dive into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ties to Florida and the critical role our state played in the Civil Rights Movement.