TAMPA -- In Bradenton, there's a full day of boat racing Saturday at the sixth annual Bradenton Area River Regatta. It takes place along the Manatee River. The Green Bridge connecting Bradenton and Palmetto is closed to allow people to use it as a viewing platform.
Event manager Mike Fetchko says it includes not just Formula Two racing boats, but Jersey Skiff speedboats making a foray into Florida. Jersey skiffs are a type of small fishing boat, developed on the New Jersey shore, modified for racing. They can go as fast as 80 miles per hour on turns.
There are also live music performances along the shoreline and a fireworks show that starts at 6:50 p.m. Admission is free.
In Tampa, the Krewe of Sant 'Yago Knight Parade steps off at 7:00 p.m., at Nuccio Parkway and Seventh Avenue. Unlike the Gasparilla parade and the Gasparilla Children's Parade, it takes place at night, with illuminated floats moving along a 10-block parade route. About 100,000 spectators are expected.
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