Three Pinellas County beach communities won’t light up the water for holiday boat parades this month, extending 2024 hurricane cancellations into a second year.

Dunedin, Redington Beach and Indian Shores have canceled their holiday boat parades again following damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The combined Redington Beach and Indian Shores parade plans to return in 2026. St. Pete Beach also won’t hold a parade.

But most Pinellas beach parades are back on the water.

Treasure Island’s parade returns Dec. 20 at 5:45 p.m., launching behind Publix and traveling through Boca Ciega Bay to John’s Pass. The city promised last year the parade would “be back better than ever” in 2025.

South Pasadena lights up Dec. 12 with boats lining up at 6 p.m. at Barbara Gilberg Park, 1600 Pasadena Ave. S. The city partnered with MarineMax St. Petersburg for a viewing party. Participants receive a $100 gas card and must donate to a toy drive to enter.

Madeira Beach celebrates its 59th Festival of Lights on Dec. 13, starting at 6:15 p.m. from ROC Park. Boats wind through finger canals and finish at John’s Pass around 8:30-9 p.m.

Indian Rocks Beach holds its parade Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Harbourside.

Tarpon Springs’ parade starts Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. down the Anclote River.

Gulfport’s 39th annual parade, hosted by Boca Ciega Yacht Club, launches Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. from Gulfport Municipal Marina. Boat owners donate toys for the Gulfport Police Department’s Operation Santa drive.

Clearwater Yacht Club’s 51st annual parade starts Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m., launching north of Mandalay Channel bridge and traveling through Island Estates.

Downtown St. Petersburg’s parade was rescheduled from Dec. 21 to Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. due to a conflict with the Shore Acres Golf Cart Parade. Boats launch from St. Pete Municipal Marina with viewing near the St. Pete Pier, Vinoy yacht basin, North Shore Park and Flora Wylie Park.

The parades draw thousands of spectators annually to waterfront parks, restaurants and bridges along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Beyond the beaches

Neighboring counties are also lighting up the water this month.

In Pasco County, the Cotee River Christmas Boat Parade sails from Miller’s Bayou through the Cotee River to Sims Park in New Port Richey on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Hillsborough County hosts three parades. The 41st annual Alafia Lighted Boat Parade runs Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Riverview Park & Civic Center, featuring a chili cook-off and free viewing. Tampa’s largest parade travels the Hillsborough River on Dec. 20, starting at 6:15 p.m. near Davis Islands with free viewing along the Tampa Riverwalk. Apollo Beach’s parade, hosted by Tampa Sailing Squadron, starts Dec. 13 at dusk near marker 12 in the south basin, with a chili cook-off following at the clubhouse.