- May 12, 2025
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"Day Dreaming" makes its way along the parade route.
Photo by Ian Swaby"Seaduction" arrives, dwarfed in height by a Santa Claus balloon.
Photo by Ian SwabyA line of boats approaches, with Shark Bait in front.
Photo by Ian SwabySienna Kohlbrecker and her friend Emily Cintron were Glinda and Elphaba on the "Defying Gravity" boat themed after "Wicked."
Photo by Ian Swaby"My Green Eyed Girl" offered a good cheer for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe "Merica" boat turns to reveal a Nativity scene.
Photo by Ian Swaby"Unwrap Each Day" approaches.
Photo by Ian SwabyTurtle Beach Grill shines brightly as it approaches.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe crew celebrates the holidays on "Santa's Sleigh on the Bay."
Photo by Ian SwabyMarineMax Aquila
Photo by Ian SwabyThe boat "Seas the Kilt" featured an American theme.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe crew waves to parade viewers from the "Explorer 5."
Photo by Ian SwabyTrevor Britz and his dog Kai wave to viewers from "Brown-Eyed Girl."
Photo by Ian SwabyThe holiday lights on LeBarge Tropical Cruises mix with the city lights.
Photo by Ian SwabyA fireboat approaches on the parade route.
Photo by Ian SwabySanta Claus makes his appearance as the parade ends.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe "Lotus" yacht arrives with a "Joy to SRQ" theme.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe crew of the "Lotus" celebrates as the yacht makes its way along the parade route.
Photo by Ian Swaby"Bound in Blue" approaches with a very green Grinch-themed display.
Photo by Ian Swaby"Marvin Martian" makes its way along the parade route.
Photo by Ian Swaby"Nautic Star" makes its way along the parade route.
Photo by Ian SwabyA gingerbread man takes a plunge on the "Slip N' Slide" boat.
The banner "Joy to SRQ," found on the Lotus Yacht, summarized the concept of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, said Maiya and Stephen Gardner, the owners of the boat, which won first place in the category for private vessels 36 feet and over.
"We only see so much of it being on the boat," said Maiya Gardener. "It's actually more of a spectacle for people looking from land, so we're just happy to be a part of that experience and the joy, and the festive spirit."
For 38 years, the event, held on Dec. 14, has been organized by Suncoast Charities for Children.
Sienna Kohlbrecker and her husband Kyle Kohlbrecker, who brought their friends along on their boat themed after the film "Wicked," enjoy the parade so much they returned for a fourth year.
The boat won "most creative," as well as first place in the 21 to 35-foot private vessel category.
"The second he was announced, we all screamed, and then my husband jumped into the water, and it was very exciting moment," said Sienna Kohlbrecker. Kyle Kohlbrecker captained the boat.
Suncoast Charities for Children offered a chance for residents of The Haven, a nonprofit offering services to those with disabilities, to view the parade from the VIP viewing area at Marina Jack. The organization also holds a toy donation drive in conjunction with the parade, and this year was offered a $5,000 matching grant by the Reinhart Foundation, which was met that night.
