Five months after canceling the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade because of an unprecedented snow storm in Pensacola, Thursday’s rescheduled parade will start an hour early due to heat concerns.
The parade will now begin one hour early at 10 a.m. and continue until noon. The float staging area and the parade route will close at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Drivers and pedestrians are reminded to use caution in the area. Heavy parade and float traffic is expected between Wright Street and Main Street, impacting Garden Street, Palafox Street and Spring Street.
Closed roads in downtown Pensacola due to MLK Parade
In addition to parade and float traffic on Wright Street and Main Street, impacting Garden Street, Palafox Street and Spring Street, street closures extend out to Tarragona and DeVilliers streets, as well as Main Street. These are the same closures found during the Mardi Gras and Grand Fiesta parades earlier this year.
Residents and visitors are reminded to follow all posted signage, as there will be no parking on the parade route. Additionally, there will be no parking on:
What can I expect during Pensacola’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade?
Pensacola’s MLK Parade began in 1987 with just over a dozen individuals coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Now, more than 35 years later, the parade is a Mardi Gras-style event, featuring floats from local businesses, churches, organizations, school bands, and elected officials.
Each float is decorated according to the year’s theme, showcasing the community’s creativity and unity. This celebration not only honors Dr. King’s profound impact, but also fosters diversity and highlights the cultural and economic contributions of Pensacola’s residents.
When and where is the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade?
The 2025 parade will take place beginning at 10 a.m. June 19 in downtown Pensacola.
Who is the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade?
Linda “Sonshine” Moorer has been named the Grand Marshal of the 2025 MLK Day Parade. With a 38-year career in radio and the entertainment industry, Sonshine has become a beloved and influential voice on the Gulf Coast.
As the host of the highly acclaimed talk show Sonshine’s Corner on BLAB-TV, she has dedicated her platform to inspiring, educating, and fostering positive change within the community. Her warmth, passion, and commitment embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
What is the mission of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade?
The mission is to keep Dr. King’s message alive by uniting the community in a shared celebration of love, peace, and justice. Through this annual event, organizers aim to inspire future generations, promote civic engagement, and highlight the power of diversity in creating positive change.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: MLK parade starting one hour early due to heat concerns
Reporting by Chemarryn Thornton, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
