“This Independence Day we are going to come together once again to celebrate our community, honor our heroes, and commemorate our nation’s birth after a very challenging time for our community and our country, Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody said in a statement.
The parade will pay tribute to veterans, first responders, medical professionals and frontline workers. It will start at 8 p.m. at Mound Street and Orange Avenue, ending at Bayfront Drive and Main Street by J.D. Hamel Park, with designated areas for public viewing to be marked along the parade route.
Organizing the parade will be Dan Kennedy, chairman of Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, which has also organize other local events including Sarasota s annual Memorial Day parade. Last year s Memorial Day parade was canceled due to the pandemic, and a City of Sarasota spokesperson said there is not one planned this year, though there are plans to hold a Memorial Day ceremony at J.D. Hamel Park.