Five Things to Do on MLK Weekend

1. MLK Breakfast, Parade, Concert & BBQ. Head to Tarpon Springs on Saturday, Jan. 14 for a daylong celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's life. The day starts with breakfast at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church from 8-10 a.m. The cost is $5, and proceeds benefit the annual scholarship fund.

The annual MLK parade starts at 11 a.m. at Tarpon Avenue and Ring and ends at Dorsett Park (500 E. Harrison St.). This year's parade features a performing band from St. Petersburg. The band and a DJ will provide music in Dorsett Park following the parade. Stay for lunch: BBQ chicken and ribs will be for sale in the park.

2. Drum Major for Justice Parade. Head to downtown St. Petersburg on Monday, Jan. 16. This of the slain civil rights leader with marching bands from around the country. The event begins at 11 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South and Third Avenue South and goes to Vinoy Park.

3. Movie with a Message. The Clearwater East Library honors Martin Luther King Jr. with Project Pride on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. The library will show Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness, a PBS documentary about taking action against hate crimes in local communities.

4. Be Part of the MLK Day of Service 2012. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?' "

Following King's lead to serve, the MLK Day of Service is one way to make an impact. Through this year's project, One Warm Coat, donate any new or gently used coat to the in Clearwater. Check for more local service opportunities.

5. Donate Blood. January is national blood donor month and the month of highest blood usage by patients in the Tampa Bay area. Help save a life by giving blood at the Martin Luther King Day 10 News Blood Drive on Monday, Jan. 16. Florida Blood Services will be at Chili's locations including 3701 Tampa Rd. in Palm Harbor from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.