Several Memorial Day Events to Take Place this Weekend

MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County government has announced the following Memorial Day observances taking place throughout the region over the course of the holiday weekend.

• 9th Annual Flags for Fallen Vets at Sarasota National Cemetery: Pre-register at SarasotaWreaths.com for this event, which will take place Saturday, May 25, at 7:30 a.m., 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, as volunteer slots and parking spaces are limited. The meet-up location is the POW/MIA flagpole, where instructions will be provided. Volunteers will receive a bundle of at least 20 flags to place for the over 35,000 people interred at Sarasota National Cemetery. 

• Annual Memorial Day Event at Sarasota National Cemetery:  Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m., Patriot Plaza, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota. No registration is necessary. More Information

• Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade on Lakewood Ranch Main Street: Sunday, May 26, 5 to 8 p.m. This annual live parade features local bands and choir groups, drum lines and dance teams, floats, food, drinks, and live entertainment. All event Proceeds Benefit The Del Webb Lakewood Ranch Association of Veterans and Military Supporters and VFW Post 12055. The block party starts at 5 p.m.; the parade starts at 6:30 p.m. More Information

• Bradenton’s Annual Memorial Day Service: Monday, May 27, 9 a.m., Donald L. Courtney Veterans Park (at Riverwalk, behind Manatee Memorial Hospital). Hosted by the Manatee County Veterans Council, the Service will be attended by Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover-Bryant, who will be the guest speaker. All are encouraged to attend to recognize our veterans who gave some and some who gave all so that we may live in freedom. 

• Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute with the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra: Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd. An annual Memorial Day Observance and Concert. The 90-minute program is free to attend and includes a flag presentation by the U.S. Marine Corps. Free refreshments are provided. 

• National Moment of Remembrance: Monday, May 27, 3 p.m.. This annual event asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time, to pause for one minute to remember those who have died in military service for the United States. TAPS Across America encourages all who are interested to play TAPS during this time.  

• Flag Removal and Retirement: Saturday, June 1, 8:30 a.m., Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota. No registration is needed. 

Manatee County Government offices and libraries will be closed on Monday, May 27. For residents of unincorporated Manatee, trash, recycling, and yard waste collections for the week will be postponed one day, from Tuesday through Saturday.

The Lena Road Landfill will be closed on Monday, May 27. There will be no Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) fixed route or Handy Bus service on May 27. The Anna Maria Island Trolley will operate normal daily routes, and the Manatee Avenue Beach Express will operate on a holiday schedule.  

Manatee County parks and beaches will be open to the public. Manatee County and Buffalo Creek Golf Courses will be open. G.T. Bray Recreation Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Walton Racquet Center will be closed, and all check-ins will occur at the main building. Manatee County’s nature preserves will remain open.