Street closures announced for Sarasota’s Memorial Day Parade on May 29; towing to be enforced

Police Department encouraging the public to drive cautiously over the holiday weekend

The annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. May 29 in downtown Sarasota. File photo

The Memorial Day Parade in downtown Sarasota will be held on Monday, May 29, starting at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Osprey Avenue, the Sarasota Police Department is reminding the public.

Street closures are being planned, as follows:

  • 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Gulfstream Avenue from Cocoanut Avenue to McAnsh Square.
  • 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Main Street from Links Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue.
  • 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Links Avenue from First Street to Ringling Boulevard.
  • 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Osprey Avenue from First Street to Ringling Boulevard.

Vehicles not removed by the posted times will be towed at the owners’ expense, a news release stresses. For information on towed vehicles, contact Upman’s Towing at 365-7084, the release adds.

The Sarasota Police Department also is reminding the public that the Memorial Day holiday will begin on Friday, May 26. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Admiration, from 2010 to 2014, more than half of the passenger vehicle occupants who were killed were not wearing seat belts, the release points out. The Police Department is urging all drivers “to slow down, buckle up and drive safely,” the release adds.

In Florida, every motorists is required to wear a seat belt when riding in the front seat, and passengers under the age of 18 must use proper seat restraints, the release notes. When traveling, the public should remember these safety tips, the release says:

  • More speeding-related fatalities occur during the summer months than at any other time of the year.
  • Refrain from using cell phones or other electronic devices when driving.
  • Designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation if you consume alcohol.

• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during bad weather.