Tampa Bay will commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through parades, festivals, and gatherings that stretch across seven counties between Jan. 16 and Jan. 19. Monday, Jan. 19 is the federal holiday. It always lands on the third Monday in January.
Hillsborough County has lined up several activities. The Tampa MLK Day Parade kicks off at noon on Jan. 19 from Cuscaden Park. The Edward Waters University Triple Threat Marching Band will march in the procession. Plant City plans a week-long event running Jan. 16 through Jan. 19 at Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, bringing speakers, musicians, and artists together.
Three parades take place on Jan. 17, before the actual holiday arrives. Polk County presents its 48th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade at 1 p.m. in downtown Lakeland. Winter Haven hosts its 47th Annual Commemorative Parade from 10 a.m. until noon along M.L.K. Boulevard. NE. Pasco County’s parade runs from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Dade City. Coach Willie Broner serves as Grand Marshal…