Parades, services and family events for MLK Day in Tampa Bay

MLK Dream Big Parade

The parade honoring the life and dream of Martin Luther King Jr. includes 110 units and bands, including the Florida A&M marching band, Tuskegee University's Marching Talladega College, South Carolina State University, Savannah State University and Edward Waters College. The new parade route lines up at Third Street and First Avenue south, then heads West to 16th Street south and ends across from Tropicana Field. Free. The Avenue, 330 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 321-7919. 11 a.m. Monday.

City of Tampa MLK Parade

The two-mile parade of floats, cars and trucks draws bands from as far as Jamaica. Cuscaden Park, 2900 N 15th St, Tampa. Noon-4 p.m. Monday. (813) 274-8211

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

News anchor Reginal Roundtree serves as grand marshal for this parade featuring the Embracing Legacy Mighty Marching Drumline, the Tarpon Springs High School Drumline, floats, vans, cars and marching units. A festival follows the parade in Dorsett Park with awards for best floats, a performance by Pretti Emage, music, vendors, food and drink. Free. Vinson Funeral Home, 456 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. (727) 938-3711. 11 a.m. Saturday.

Hernando MLK Parade

Annie Williams, former Hernando County Supervisor of Elections, serves as Grand Marshal for the parade starting at the school. Free. Hernando High School, 700 Bell Ave., Brooksville. (352) 428-0477. 10 a.m. Monday.

Plant City MLK Festival

The celebration kicks off with a portrait dedication, choral performance and a drum circle. Free. Marshall Middle School, 18 S Maryland Ave., Plant City. (813) 757-9360. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, then moves Friday night to the Bing Rooming House, 205 S Allen St., Plant City, for "Rhyme or Reason" in which local talents express their holiday emotions through spoken word. Free. (813) 757-6760. 7-9 p.m. Friday; Saturday, the MLK Freedom Parade begins at the corner of Wheeler and MLK Boulevard in downtown Plant City. 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday; Sunday, the festival concludes with the MLK Leadership Breakfast. Michael Green of the Dwyer Group serves as keynote speaker for the "Community Champions" awards presentation. $35. Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College at the John Trinkle Building, 1206 N Park Road, Plant City. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Big Celebration Block Party

A battle of the bands and block party featuring entertainment by the Florida A&M Rattlers, Tuskegee University's Marching Crimson Piper Band, South Carolina State Marching "101" Band, Talladega College Tornado, Edward Waters High School and other local high school bands. $15, $10 students. Jefferson High School, 4401 W Cypress St., Tampa. (813) 872-5241. 3-10 p.m. Sunday.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Music Fest

In part of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration, this weekend celebration features music by national, local and regional acts including Stokley and jazz artist Norman Brown, a children's village, health screenings and giveaways. $10, ages 10 and younger free. Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. (813) 218-3320. noon Saturday, noon Sunday.

MLK Dream Big Family Fun Day

Immediately following the parade, there will be vendors, entertainment and family activities set up in Lots 6 and 7 of Tropicana Field, where you can also find information on colleges and day of service programs. Free. 2:30 to 8 p.m. 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. mlkdreambig.com.

MLK Day Bike Rodeo

Learn how to be aware of your surroundings and avoid obstructions while riding a bicycle. Held in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Free. Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex Field, 5730 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Children can make necklaces that represent Martin Luther King Jr.'s ideas and design a paper doll for an "I Have A Dream" doll chain through out the museum. Included with admission: $10, $9 seniors, 1 and younger free. Great Explorations Children's Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 821-8992. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival 5K

This run/walk emphasizes healthy living while educating the community about health disparities among African-Americans. Come early for a warm up exercise event. Held simultaneously with a fitness boot camp. $15 (registration required). Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa. (813) 218-3320. 8:45 a.m. Saturday.

Florida Orchestra Woodson Chamber Concert

An orchestra string quartet celebrates African-American composers and arrangers, including Florence Price, Duke Ellington and George Walker, in a concert preceding a candlelight vigil remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Features Lucas Guideri and Mary Corbett on violin, Derek Mosloff on viola and Lowell Adams on cello. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door; proceeds benefit the museum. Space is limited, so please arrive early. Sunday, 4:30 p.m. concert; the vigil is 6:30 p.m. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg.

'A Day On, Not Off' MLK Celebration

The university's celebration feature Oveous, a spoken word artist who won multiple times on Showtime at the Apollo. A candlelight vigil follows. Free. Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52, Saint Leo. Toll-free 1-800-334-5532. 5-7 p.m. Tuesday.

African American Club of Pasco's MLK Celebration

Two marches merge at Booker T. Washington Schoolhouse. The Rev. Marty Newman leads the first from the west at Unity Church of Port Richey. Rev. Sherwayne Philip leads the second from the east at Union Missionary Baptist Church. At the schoolhouse, a band performs When the Saints Come Marching In along with speakers. Closes with desserts. Historic Booker T. Washington Schoolhouse, 6105 Pine Hill Road, Port Richey. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Service

A service conducted by the Rev. Alan Wilkett includes music by the Fearing Family of Hudson. Life's Harbor Church, 7645 Green Slope Drive, Zephyrhills. 10 a.m. Sunday.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast and March

Enjoy breakfast while listening to keynote speakers and readings of winning student essays about diversity. Then, join a march to Pioneer Park for a festival with live entertainment. Free. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 550 Laura Lane, Dunedin. (727) 738-2920. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Tampa Breakfast

The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs hosts the 38th annual breakfast. $35. Hilton Hotel Downtown Tampa, 211 N Tampa St., Tampa. (813) 368-3325. 6:45 a.m. Monday.

MLK Unity Walk

See a screening of Selma. Then, join a walk of unity to Liberty Park. Free. Valerie Theatre Cultural Center, 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness. 8:30-9:45 a.m. Monday.

MLK Interfaith Memorial Service

The Rev. Russell L. Meyer serves as keynote speaker for the "Stand Up Together" service with performances by local choirs. Free. Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, 5815 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Meet at the park for opening ceremonies before departing to participate in various community service projects. Free. Tomlinson Park, 1820 55th St S, Gulfport. (727) 893-1118. 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Financial Seminar

Free (registration required). Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E Palm Ave., Tampa. 5-8 p.m. today.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival Leadership Luncheon

Matthew Horace discusses his work as a CNN law enforcement and security expert analyst. $20. University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N 22nd St., Tampa. (813) 218-3320. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Day of Service Community Forum

Stetson professor Judith Scully moderates panel: "Reclaiming Our Youth: Creating Solutions for Juvenile Justice." Panelists include Chief Anthony Holloway (St. Petersburg Police Department), Rene Flowers (Pinellas County School Board), Melissa Fuller (Department of Juvenile Justice) and Irene Maslanik (Public Defenders Office). Free. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 18.

Making MLK Matter Again

Lecture series features Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ohio State University associate professor and faculty member at the Kirwan Institute. Free. Pasco-Hernando State College North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville. 9:45-10:45 a.m. Jan. 18.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival

Events planned for this festival next week include:

• Brown Bag Luncheon: Take your lunch to the library to hear Gigi Best Richardson talk about family research. Free. Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., Tampa. (813) 218-3320. Noon Jan. 18.

• Heritage Gala: Formal attire required for this elegant evening. $60, $100 two. TPepin's Hospitality Centre, 4121 N 50th St., Tampa. (813) 218-3320. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Jan. 18.

• Gospel Night: Showcasing local, regional and national gospel acts. $20-$30, $45 VIP. Bible Based Fellowship Church, 4811 Ehrlich Road, Tampa. 6-9 p.m. Jan. 20.

• Youth Night: Internet personality Brother Ben X serves as guest speaker for "BLING: Business Leaders Igniting a New Generation." This event focuses on youth. Free. Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library, 1505 Nebraska Ave., Tampa. (813) 218-3320. Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 20.