Memorial Day 2019: Strike Up The Band In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL — Strike up the band, unfurl the flag. Memorial Day weekend is upon us and it's once again time for America to honor its heroes.

Patch has compiled a list of Memorial Day weekend events that we'll be updating throughout the week so remember to check back and refresh your browser for the latest information.

SARASOTA

Sarasota's annual Memorial Day parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Monday but be sure to leave extra time to navigate the road closures around the parade route.

The parade begins at Main Street and Osprey Avenue. It will wrap up at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park, located at Main Street and Gulf Stream Avenue. That's where city officials are planning a ceremony around 11 a.m.

The theme for this year's event is “In Memory of Many, in Honor of All: Honoring Glenn Miller.” The famed musician and band leader enlisted in the U.S. Army back in 1942 and was assigned to lead the U.S. Army Air Force Band.

Miller disappeared on a flight from England to Paris. Neither the airplane or Miller’s remains have ever been found.

Dr. Dennis Spragg, author of “Glenn Miller: Declassified” will be the keynote speaker. Published in 2018, the book focuses on Miller’s lost flight and the impact of Miller’s music on the Greatest Generation.

Prior to the start of the ceremony, the Sarasota Jazz Band will play Glenn Miller inspired music from the World War II era.

The parade will include marching bands, color guards from the Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sarasota County Fire Department; Boy Scouts of America; Girl Scouts of the USA; and many veterans groups, community organizations and local dignitaries.

Sarasota police said there will be several tow away zones and street closures in place for the following times on Monday:

• 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Gulfstream Avenue closed from Cocoanut Avenue to McAnsh Square
• 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Main Street closed from U.S. 301 to Gulfstream Avenue
• 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Links Avenue closed from 1st Street to Ringling Boulevard
• 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Osprey Avenue closed from 2nd Street to Ringling Boulevard

Vehicles not removed by the posted time will be towed at the owner’s expense, according to Sarasota police.

Sarasota police urged motorists to remember observe speed limits, buckle up and be safe on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 10,076 people weren't wearing seat belts when they were killed in passenger vehicle crashes in 2017. In Florida, all motorists must wear a seat belt in the front seat and passengers under the age of 18 must use proper seat restraints.

Anyone planning to be out on the road this holiday weekend should observe the following tips, according to Sarasota police:

• Reduce your speed. More speeding-related fatalities happen during the summer months than any other time of the year.
• Refrain from using cell phones or devices when driving.
• Designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation if you consume alcohol.
• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during bad weather.

For more information and to participate in the parade call Dan Kennedy, Patriotic Observance Committee chairman at 941-812-5406. For information on towed vehicles, call Upman’s Towing at 941-365-7084.

BRADENTON

The Bradenton Marauders will play Saturday night’s game against the Tampa Tarpons as the Bradenton Barbanegras (Black Beards). May 25 is the first of four games Bradenton will play as the Barbanegras in 2019 as part of the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) “Copa de la Diversión,” or “Fun Cup.” Bradenton is one of 72 clubs participating in Copa this season.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the game begins at 6:30 p.m. The first 750 fans to arrive at Saturday’s game will receive a free T-shirt, presented by Yuengling. Fans arriving early can enjoy the music of Grupo Mango performing in the Fan Plaza. Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce President Jomarie Beaman will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

La Numero Uno 106.9 FM, 105.3 FM La Zeta, and Rumba 106.5 FM will be on site to provide additional Latin flair to the pre-game proceedings. All aspects of the game day experience will be altered, from team uniforms to the offerings at the concessions stands.

Minor League Baseball has partnered with the Lupus Foundation of America to say Adios Lupus. All Copa games nationwide will feature educational opportunities to learn more about Lupus and what can be done to eradicate it. Copa is sponsored nationally and locally by ECHO, the official power tools supplier of minor league baseball.

The LECOM Park ticket office hours are Tuesday-Friday non-game days from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. On game days the box office will be open on weekdays from 10 a.m. until the end of the game and on weekends from two hours before first pitch until the end of the game. The box office will open two hours prior to any 10:30 a.m. games.

For more information about the Bradenton Marauders, call 941-747-3031, visit www.BradentonMarauders.com. You can also send an email to MaraudersInfo@pirates.com.

HOLIDAY OFFERS

LongHorn Steakhouse Grilling Hotline

This Memorial Day, LongHorn Steakhouse will open its GRILL US Hotline to help guests “raise the steaks” on one of the biggest grilling holidays of the year. Callers can get expert advice on how to bring quality to the grill from one of LongHorn’s expert Grill Masters by dialing 855-LH-GRILL on Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This marks the seventh year that the GRILL US Hotline has been available nationwide, logging more than 5,000 hours answering callers’ questions, ranging from grilling basics to hard-core techniques. They can recommend the perfect cut of steak, guide at-home grillers through techniques for any cut of meat, navigate through tricky grilling scenarios – like what to do when a steak is overdone. For those who prefer a more relaxed holiday, LongHorn Steakhouse will be open all summer long. Click here to find the closest restaurant.