What to know for Palmetto’s MLK Parade: Route, road closures and more
Palmetto’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The annual parade is hosted by the Palmetto Youth Center and features floats, marching bands, dancers and community groups.
Several roads in the city will be closed to accommodate the parade events, according to a Facebook post from the city.
Here’s what to know ahead of the parade.
Route and road closures
The parade starts near Lincoln Middle School. The route then runs west on 17th Street West, south on Eighth Avenue West, east on 10th Street West and north on Second Avenue West. Residents can expect closures on these roads for the duration of the parade.
The city says it encourages drivers to “plan ahead and allow extra travel time” during the parade.
“There is no official detour during the MLK Parade,” the City of Palmetto wrote in its post. “However, Palmetto Police have shared suggested routes to help drivers reach the Manatee County Fairgrounds while roads are temporarily impacted.”
The city advises that if drivers are attempting to access the Fairgrounds from the north, they should use 23rd Street West to 14th Avenue West. Those who are coming from the south should use Eighth Street West to 14th Avenue West.
“Thank you for your patience as we come together to celebrate, reflect, and support our community,” the city said in its post.
Palmetto Youth Center to host celebration after parade
The theme of this year’s parade is “Mission possible: empowering our youth to dream big, act boldly and be part of the solution,” according to the Palmetto Youth Center.
The center will host a post-parade celebration at 501 17th St. W., Palmetto from 3 p.m. to dark, according to a post on Facebook. Entry is $5 and includes a kids party in the gym.
For more info, call 941-722-0783 or visit Facebook.com/PalmettoYouthCenter.
