Groups and organizations around the Tampa Bay region have planned events to commemorate Veterans Day. The events, which include parades, job fairs, festivals, and ceremonies, will honor those who have served or are now serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, and are open to the public.
Here’s a list of local events, with national events listed at the bottom:
Tuesday, Nov. 5 - Sunday, Nov. 10
Celebration of Veterans Brunch- Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10:30 a.m.- The Largo Community Center, in conjunction with The Palms of Largo, invites area veterans to its annual Celebration of Veterans Brunch, which includes a full breakfast and entertainment. The event is free for veterans and one guest, but advanced tickets are required. RSVP at LargoCommunityCenter.com. Largo Community Center, 400 Alt Keene Rd., Largo.
Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair- Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.- CareerSource Tampa Bay is assisting veterans and their family members at a special hiring fair. CareerSource Tampa Bay, 9215 N. Florida Ave., Suite 101, Tampa.
University of South Florida St. Petersburg Veterans Expo- Friday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.- Events and giveaways sponsored by OPEN, USFSP Student Affairs, Student Government, and the Student Veterans Organization. Discussion Panel at 10–11 a.m., Veterans Affairs Mobile Vet Center, free food, entertainment and giveaways. University Student Center (USC) 200 6th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Parking will be in the 5th Avenue South parking structure. The cost is $5.
Tampa Bay Veterans Parade - Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. - The parade honors Jack Weinel, a U.S. Army artillery veteran with the 1st Cavalry. The parade route is along Hanley Road north of W. Comanche Avenue in Tampa.
James Haley VA Hospital Veterans Day Parade - Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.- The parade route is on the hospital campus' Richard Silver Way. Participants include car clubs, Junior ROTC units, high school bands, military vehicles, the USF "Herd of Thunder" marching band, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and Santa's Drill Team. This year's route is changed because of a construction project; viewing stands will be across in front of the Spinal Cord Injury/Polytrauma building (between the power plant and the parking garage). 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. The Patriotic Riders of Tampa are meeting up before the parade at Starbucks at 13210 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa.
Tampa's 2nd Annual Veterans Day and First Responder Prayer Brunch - Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.- Sponsored by Walking with Warriors Ministry. A morning of prayer, fellowship and food for first responders, military (past and present) and their families, as well as the public. Free brunch, and events include a bagpiper, Tampa Fire and Rescue engine and the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Honor Guard. 302 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
All-American Veterans Day Celebration- Saturday, Nov. 9, 1-4 p.m.- The Not Your Normal Barbershop Quartet and the Greg White Jr. Band perform for an All-American Veterans Day Celebration. Sponsored by Carrollwood Village HOAs. The event celebrates veterans and their families with a fun-filled family day with potato sack races, pie-eating contest, dunk tank, softball pitch game, bounce houses, and more. Carrollwood Cultural Center. 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa.
Red, White & Brew- Saturday, Nov. 9, 3-8 p.m.- A celebration honoring veterans that includes food trucks, craft beer samples, live music by The Petty Hearts and Fast4Ward, and a free kids area. WestShore Plaza, 250 WestShore Plaza, Tampa.
2nd Annual Veterans Run- Sunday, Nov. 10, 8-11 a.m.- A 16-Mile, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k event. Every finisher will receive a race shirt and customized medal. Ben T. Davis Beach, 7740 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature- Free admission is available to veterans throughout the month of November. They need only to mention their service when they arrive at the admissions desk. The Bishop also offers free admission to all active-duty members of the military with proper ID all year long. 201 10th St. W., Bradenton.
The Florida Aquarium- Free admission is being offered to all active duty military, retired, prior service of the Armed Forces (includes Guards and Reserve) and a guest on Sunday, Nov. 10, and Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Up to four additional guests can receive a 50% discount on a general admission ticket. Active or retired military personnel must show a valid military ID at the ticket office to qualify. Tickets are not available for advance online purchase. 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
Monday, Nov. 11
St. Petersburg's 6th Annual Veterans Day Celebration- 8 a.m.- Mayor Rick Kriseman will present the Honored Veteran Award to Lt. Col. (Ret.) Geoff Barker, a highly-decorated veteran and author. Williams Park Veterans Memorial, 330 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
55th Annual Veterans Day Tribute and Operation REVEILLE- 10 a.m.- Veterans Memorial Park & LeRoy Collins, Jr. Veterans Museum. 3602 US Highway 301 North, Tampa.
Sarasota Veterans Day Parade- 10 a.m.- The City of Sarasota, in conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, will co-host the annual Veterans Day Parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and will end at approximately 11 a.m. at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park at the corner of Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue where a ceremony will be held. Downtown Sarasota.
Venice Veterans Day Observance and Ceremony- 10 a.m.- Sponsored by VFW Post 8118. Patriot's Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice.
Palmetto Veterans Day Parade- 10:45 a.m.- The Manatee County Veterans Council and the City of Palmetto will be hosting the parade, which will form at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, proceed south on 11th Ave and end at Sutton Park. The parade will be followed by the annual Veterans Day Memorial Service. Palmetto.
Veterans Day Ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery- 11 a.m.- The Florida National Cemetery Joint Veterans Support Committee sponsors. Chaplain Linda J. Pugsley, U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, will be the keynote speaker. The Avenue of Flags with 400 flags will be on display along the roadways of the cemetery. Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell.
Anna Maria Island Veterans Day Parade- 1-3 p.m.- The parade will feature honor guards, high school marching bands, The Privateers, floats, flags and much more. It starts at 1 p.m. on Pine Avenue at City Hall and will go to City Pier Park. Anna Maria Island, FL.
Tenth Annual Veterans Day Mass at Sarasota National Cemetery- 3 p.m.- A mass will recognize the sacrifices of those who served; to honor them, and to pray for the repose of their eternal souls – as well as for the intentions of the living. The event will be held in the Amphitheater, located in Patriot Plaza of the National Cemetery. Active military personnel are encouraged to wear their uniform. Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72 (Clark Road), Sarasota.
WOD for Warriors- 4:30-10 p.m.- “Workout of the Day for Warriors” is being hosted by Yuengling Brewing and veteran service organization Team Red, White & Blue. The event is Team RWB’s annual community-driven workout movement hosted by hundreds of gyms across the country to support and raise donations for America’s veterans. Doors open at 430, with WOD heats from 6-8 p.m. and a post-WOD social from 8-10 p.m. Yuengling Center at University of South Florida, 12499 Bull Run Drive, Tampa.
National Events:
Sunday, Nov. 10
National Veterans Day Ceremony- 11 a.m.- Features a full honor wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then an observance program hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Memorial Amphitheater. Both the wreath-laying ceremony and the observance program are free and open to the general public. Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Wilson Ave. Fort Myer, VA.
