7 Martin Luther King Jr. Day events around the Tampa Bay area

Tampa MLK Day Parade: This year’s parade, organized by the MLK Foundation, promises new entries from across the state and Caribbean, as well as nationally-renowned bands such as the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats and Edward Waters University Triple Threat Marching Band. The grand marshal is Les Miller, former state representative and Hillsborough County commissioner. The fun begins at noon Jan. 20 at Cuscaden Park, 2900 N. 15th St., Tampa. It ends at Middleton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa.

St. Petersburg MLK Day Dream Big Parade: One of the biggest MLK Day parades in the country travels through the heart of downtown St. Petersburg on First Avenue S., culminating at Tropicana Field. This year will not have a family fun fair at the Trop like it has in past years because of the heavy hurricane damage the stadium suffered. The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with renowned Hollywood film producer Will Packer as grand marshal. The St. Petersburg native has produced a wide range of movies that have grossed more than $1 billion, including “Think Like a Man,” “Ride Along,” “Girls Trip,” “Stomp the Yard” and “Straight Outta Compton.”

MLK Dream Big Banquet: The annual banquet to kick off MLK events week in St. Petersburg and acknowledge sponsors. Remaining tickets will be issued to the public, first come, first served. Call to be put on the list. Free. 7-10 p.m. Friday (Jan. 17). Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7919…

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