David Miller to lead Freedom Fest as grand marshal

When choosing the grand marshal for next week's Freedom Festival parade, Gail Loefgren and the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce looked for someone who’s been a community leader.

That person doesn’t have to be a chamber member, but this year’s grand marshal’s company has been one for the past 59 years.

David Miller, CEO and owner of Cannons Marina and previous chamber chairman, will serve as this year’s grand marshal.

“He supports the Freedom Fest and has been a sponsor as long as we’ve been doing it for 15 years, and he is always good about giving gift certificates and good about supporting non-profits around Longboat,” Loefgren said.

Cannons Marina is the longest-running chamber member, and Miller’s father was one of its founders. Miller grew up on Longboat Key and remembers the days before there was a bridge on the north end.

“There was a bus that would come to the county line, but if you weren’t there in time, it didn’t wait for you, he said.  “First and second grade weren’t a lot of fun, but man, they built the bridge, and I got to get on a bus and go to Anna Maria Elementary and that was a big improvement.”

Miller spent his childhood working at the marina, fishing, walking the beach and riding around in boats, which is still one of his favorite things about Longboat Key.

“It’s surrounded by water,” he said. “I love to be on the water. I can jump in a boat and buzz over to the beach or go fishing on the bay.”

In recent years, Cannons Marina has started offering a cash prize of $500 to the most patriotic business entry in the Freedom Fest parade so long as 10 businesses enter. Although Miller said he hasn’t had to pay up yet, he hopes the contest boosts participation. After all, his favorite part of Freedom Fest is seeing the community come together.

And that very ideal might be what made him a strong candidate for grand marshal.

“The person is just instrumental in making Longboat Key a success,” Loefgren said.