Bayway Bridge Re-Dedication & Salute to Military

veterans-pinellasThe Veterans of South Pinellas County (VSPC) will host their Fifth Annual Salute to the Military on Saturday, March 28, in Pass-a-Grille Park and on Gulf Way in front of the ‘Legendary’ Hurricane Seafood Restaurant at 9th Avenue and Pass-a-Grille Way.

A Bayway Bridge re-dedication ceremony is being arranged by the City of St. Pete Beach with co-operation of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to kick off the day. Beginning at 9 am at the east end of the new Bayway Bridge, the structure will be re-dedicated to medal of honor recipient, Master Sergeant Gary Lee Littrell, a St. Pete Beach resident. A military flyover and marines rappelling off the bridge to boats below are expected, weather permitting. This will be followed by a parade across the bridge featuring a troop of recruits who will be inducted at around 11:30 am in Pass-a-Grille. Also featured will be several antique fire engines which will be on display in Pass-a-Grille along with a selection of military vehicles. VSPC organizers promise a day of fun for the whole family.

Activities include:

– 10am – 4pm: Competition Car Show.
– 11am – 5pm: Military Street Fair with Sponsor Exhibits, Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, Food Vendors including Bar-B-Q, Seafood tent, Pizza & Italian, among others; and a Silent Auction and 50-50 Donation Raffle.
– 11:30am  Opening Ceremonies & Military Induction Ceremony. Weather permitting, a flyover is planned to coincide with the induction ceremony, with a parachuting ranger expected to deliver a flag to be presented to 2nd world war veteran Rolf Pagel in honor of all those who fought in “the war to end all wars” as it was known.
– Noon – 10pm: Concert on the Plaza featuring six bands including: The Blue Water Rock Hounds, Funky Seeds, John Lamkin & Automatic Heat, The Jeremy Thomas Band, Horses Wild and headliner Buffalo Strange.

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The charity event will benefit organizations that help service needs of our veterans and active duty personnel. The VSPC is a 501(c)(3) charity and has given over $75,000 in cash and in-kind donations to a variety of non-profit groups that support veterans.

Benefactors this year are:

Building Homes for Heroes; Support The Troops, Wesley Chapel; and Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran Repair Program. “In 2013, Building Homes for Heroes presented a home in St. Petersburg to Sgt. Charles Claybaker that Chase Bank donated and VSPC helped rehabilitate.” says Brooks Cavender, past president & current treasurer. “We continue to focus on helping to fund other projects that assist our heroes returning from service.”

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Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,000 to a single $10,000 Diamond Level sponsor. Personal and corporate gifts of all kinds are also appreciated. For more information on sponsorships and donations, call Brooks Cavender 727-244-1117.

Story by STEVE TRAIMAN
Photos courtesy of Veterans of South Pinellas County

[Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via his NEW email at traimancreativecopy@gmail.com.]

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