Boating

Holiday boat parades

Here is a look at area boat parades this holiday season:

	[Times photo (2003): Dirk Shadd]
	Sailboats lit up for the holidays participate in the Treasure Island Boat Parade, moving past the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club.

BOCA CIEGA YACHT CLUB: 19th annual Christmas Boat Parade, Saturday . Begins at 5 p.m. at the Boca Ciega Yacht Club, 4600 Tifton Drive S. The parade is scheduled to arrive at Gulfport Municipal Marina at 5:45 p.m., Broadwater subdivision at 6:30, Maximo Marina at 7:15, Gulfport Pier at 7:45, Town Shores Condominiums at 8, Pasadena Yacht and Country Club at 8:30, and then return to the Boca Ciega Yacht Club. Information: 321-7295.

TIERRA VERDE: Lighted Boat Parade, Wednesday. Begins at sundown at Billy's Stone Crab on Pass-a-Grille Harbor. The parade goes north, passing through the Tierra Verde bridge, and then south along the east side of Tierra Verde. It returns by the same route, passing through the bridge and back to Pass-a-Grille Harbor. Information: Billy Moore, 542-3900.

ST. PETE BEACH: Holiday Boat Parade, December 11. Parade begins at 6 p.m. and goes south on the Intracoastal Waterway from Merry Pier (8th avenue). Call the St. Pete Beach recreation center to enter or for questions about where to watch, 363-9245.

TREASURE ISLAND: 19th Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Dec. 12. A celebration starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club and includes food and a visit from Santa. The parade leaves the yacht club basin at 6:20 p.m., passes through the Treasure Island toll bridge at 7 and proceeds north to John's Pass, arriving at 8:15. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Christmas Toy Workshop to the Treasure Island City Hall by Dec. 10 or to the yacht club to receive a family pass to attend the events at the yacht club and for a good view of the parade. Information: Les Lathrop, 367-4511, ext. 23.

INDIAN SHORES AND REDINGTON BEACHES: 21st annual Christmas Boat Parade, Dec. 12. Begins at 6 p.m. at the north side of Madeira Beach Bridge. The parade heads north on the Intracoastal Waterway, winding through the three Redingtons and Indian Shores and ending at the Pub restaurant. Public viewing areas are DelBello Park, 17925 Gulf Blvd., the Pinellas County Boat Launch at Park Boulevard and the Estelle Harper Park behind the Indian Shores Town Hall at 19305 Gulf Blvd. Information: call the town of Redington Shores at 397-5538, the town of Redington Beach at 391-3875; the town of North Redington Beach at 391-4848, or the town of Indian Shores at 595-4020, ext. 22.

SOUTH PASADENA: Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 15. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at Great American Marine, 6810 Gulfport Blvd. The parade route includes Pasadena Isle, Shore Drive S, Barbara Gilberg Habitat Park at 1600 Pasadena Avenue S, Harbourside Marina, Bay Island Marina, Causeway Village and the Fountains of Boca Ciega. Information: 347-4171.

MADEIRA BEACH: 38th annual Holiday Boat Parade, December 17. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Boats wind through the inlets of Madeira Beach. Information: 391-9951.

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH: Holiday Boat Parade, December 18. Parade begins at 6 p.m. from the Holiday Inn Harbourside at Hamlin's Landing. Boats wind through the surrounding Intracoastal Waterway and return to Hamlin's Landing. Information: 517-0404.