ANNA MARIA ISLAND – After issuing a statement earlier this month about prohibiting the use of water during their annual July Fourth parade, The Anna Maria Island Privateers have reached a truce with Island officials.
“The use of water and any device that propels water is restricted and prohibited for parade participants and spectators during the Privateer July Fourth Parade,” Privateer President Kim “Syren” Boyd wrote in a June 8 statement that is now repealed.
The reversal was due to complaints from some parade participants, according to Boyd, who said the Privateers feel that water is an important element of fun associated with the parade. In addition to water sprayed from floats at parade attendees, people along the parade route also bring water guns to shoot at floats on what is most often a hot July morning.
Boyd issued a revised statement on June 24 saying that Island mayors consent to the use of water guns, but no water balloons, high-powered hoses or spray nozzles will be allowed.
The parade forms at Coquina Beach South on Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m., running the length of the Island to Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. It’s first come, first served for participants, and no spaces can be held between floats during the lineup, so all participants are encouraged to arrive early and dress for the heat. There is no charge to participate, but the Privateers are a 501(c) (3) organization and appreciate donations. A portion of all donations will go to the Roser Church food pantry.
For more information on participating, email kb8746@ gmail.com or visit the Privateers online.
