Memorial Day parade set for May 27 in downtown Sarasota

In conjunction with the Sarasota Patriotic Observance Committee, the city of Sarasota will host the annual Memorial Day parade at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, in downtown.

The parade route begins at Main Street and Osprey Avenue and concludes at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, located at Main Street and Gulfstream Avenue. There, a ceremony will begin at approximately 11 a.m. 

This year's keynote speaker will be West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran Michael Tollerton. Graduating from West Point in 2011, Tollerton spent six years in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of field artillery captain. Following her military career, she joined U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's Military Academy Selection Committee in 2022 and the Sarasota Military Academy's Board of Directors in 2023. 

She currently works with FCCI Insurance Group in Sarasota as a corporate risk control operator.

The parade will include performances by the Sarasota Military Academy band and participation from local law enforcement agencies, first responders, color guards, veterans’ groups, community organizations and local dignitaries.

Commercial vehicles will not be allowed to participate in the parade. In addition, parade participants are prohibited from throwing objects, including candy, to the crowd.