Blessing of the Fleet marks 45th year
File photo by
Patrick
McCallister
Douglas Jewett, North Stuart Baptist Church, blesses boats at the 43rd annual St Lucie River Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade. Jewett will be back blessing boats at this year’s
Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade, on Saturday, Feb. 20, on the St. Lucie River.
For Veteran Voice
TREASURE COAST — All hands on deck for the 45th annual Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade. It’ll be on Saturday, Feb. 20, on the St. Lucie River.
“Last year, we set a record,” Darrell Brand, past commodore and co-organizer, said.
The annual blessing drew 156 decked out water craft last year. Organizers expect another record this year, thanks to growing word about the parade having new themes each year.
“We started these themes and we try to pick a theme that’ll generate some interest,” Brand said. “A few years ago, they were down to 20, 30 boats at the blessing of the fleet.”
The theme this year is “Save our River and Keep our Waterways Open,” unmistakable references to a couple issues rocking the Treasure Coast: Lake Okeechobee discharges and All Aboard Florida, the proposed high-speed train from Miami to Orlando that would close the rail bridge in Stuart 32 times a day.
To Read More Subscribe Here