ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Cloudy skies and scattered rain didn't stop thousands of people across the Tampa Bay area from coming out and joining in Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights pioneer.
Smiling faces were seen Monday on both sides of the Bay during parades in St. Petersburg and Tampa. Parade floats cruised by, bands played their music and volunteers handed out beads to paradegoers of all ages.
Over in Pinellas County, St. Petersburg's Dream Big MLK Parade brought hundreds of people to the festivities along 1st Avenue downtown. Following the parade, an MLK Family Fun Day was held for families.
Live music performances, a breakfast and a march were also held in nearby Clearwater during the city's celebration.
While skies were gloomy and rain was falling at times, crowds remained in full force during Tampa's Martin Luther King Parade.
Down in Sarasota, a Martin Luther King Jr. unity walk was held in the city's historically Black neighborhood of Newtown.
Earlier this weekend, when things were a little chillier, downtown Dade City came alive with a parade honoring Dr. King. And the parade had a very special guest — Grand Marshal Michael Penix, Jr., fresh from his appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The MLK Day celebrations continue Monday night in Tampa. In a historic first, members of Dr. King's family — Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and Yolanda Renee King — will attend an NFL game during Monday's MLK Day commemorations.
The Kings will be at Raymond James Stadium for the Wild Card matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles. The family will serve as honorary Buccaneers' team captains and participate in the game's coin toss.