MLK Drum Major for Justice Parade: What You Need to Know

As St. Petersburg prepares for its 30th annual MLK Drum Major for Justice National Parade on Monday, there are a number of things city officials want to make sure residents are aware of. The following is a media release from the city with all the details about the parade, traffic and more:

St. Petersburg hosts one of the largest Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday parades in the nation on Monday, January 19. During this year’s 30th Annual MLK Drum Major for Justice National Parade, city traffic officials will make every effort to minimize inconvenience to motorists; however, traffic disruptions in downtown St. Petersburg can be anticipated between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. St. at Third Ave. S., proceeds north to Central Ave., east along Central to Bayshore Drive and north to Fifth Ave. NE, disbanding into Vinoy and North Shore Parks.

St. Petersburg Police encourage motorists to pre-plan their travel routes and to use streets west of 16th St. After 10:30 a.m., drivers wanting to cross First Ave. N., Central Ave. or First Ave. S., are advised to use 28th St., I-275, or streets further west.

City officials remind vendors that a valid occupational license and a one-time special event vending permit is required and all city vendor codes will be enforced -- for the parade on Monday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and for the Battle of the Bands at Tropicana Field on Sunday between 2 and 11 p.m.

In addition, vendor permits for push cart sales are suspended for sales on Monday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the area extending two blocks on either side of the parade route and within two blocks of the beginning and end points of the parade.

Organizers and the MLK Holiday and Legacy Association Inc. anticipate approximately 21 high school and college marching bands from throughout the southeastern U.S. to participate in the parade, featuring the Bethune Cookman University Marching Wildcats.

City traffic officials remind motorists and downtown visitors that parking will be restricted along the parade route beginning Sunday evening and barricade placement will begin as early as 1 a.m. on Monday morning. In addition, downtown residents should be aware that the Residential Parking Permits do not exempt holders from receiving citations or possible vehicle relocation during special events.

The Central Avenue Trolley (CAT) will operate a slightly modified route on Monday, utilizing First Ave. N. (westbound) and Fourth Ave. N. (eastbound) to bypass the parade. Regular CAT trolley fares apply (50 cents per ride). There will be no service on Central Ave. between First St. and 16th St. until approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday and there will be no CAT service to the Beach Drive/Pier/Dolphin/parking lots until after the parade.

In addition to Central Ave., other roads affected on the CAT trolley route during the parade include MLK/9th St., Second Ave. N. and Bayshore Drive.

The Downtown Looper trolley will NOT be operating on January 19. City-owned downtown parking facilities, except the MSC garage, will be open for public parking to accommodate those wishing to enjoy the parade as well as other downtown activities and destinations.

BayWalk Parking Garage, now Sundial/Muvico Parking Garage (entrance at 117 Second St. N.) will offer the night, weekend and holiday rate of only $1 for four hours ($1 for each additional hour or partial hour; with a $6 maximum); while other facilities including the SouthCore Parking Garage (entrance at 101 First Ave. S.) offer normal rates including $1 per hour, also with a $6 maximum. The Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot, (southeast corner of First St. & First Ave. S.) offers a $5 flat rate for all-day; and the lots on the Pier Approach - the Beach Drive lot (formerly Dolphin) and the Pelican lot - offer a $3 flat rate for all-day parking.

For additional parking information, visit http://www.stpete.org/parking/index.asp or a downtown parking and transportation map is available online at www.discoverdowntown.com.

Photo: Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 at Lincoln Memorial (National Park Service)

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