Ceremony to follow at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, with keynote speaker Michael Bennett
The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will host the annual Veterans Day parade at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in downtown Sarasota, city staff has announced.
The parade will start at the intersection of Main Street and Orange Avenue — “a new location,” the release notes — and conclude at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, which is located at the intersection of Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue, “where the iconic Doughboy War Memorial recently was professionally restored.”
At approximately 11 a.m., the release continues, a ceremony will be held at the park, “honoring all who have served in the United States military.”
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the ceremony, the release says.
“This year’s keynote speaker will be Michael Bennett,” the release notes. “After serving in the United States Navy,” the release points out, Bennett went on to pursue “a successful business career in the Sarasota-Manatee area” before he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, where he championed veterans’ causes, the release continues. He also served as the Manatee County supervisor of elections, having retired in 2024, it adds.
The parade will include performances by students of the Sarasota Military Academy and members of other local high school marching bands, the release continues. “Local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations, and local dignitaries will also participate in the parade,” the release says.
“Commercial vehicles will not be allowed to participate,” it points out.