“We are strong as a city and we’re going to stand together,” St. Pete mayor Ken Welch said.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St Pete is trading in hurricane season for the holiday season with its 96th annual Santa Parade and Tree Lighting event.
“I’m excited because it feels like a lot of people have recovered from the storm which is awesome to see, and I’m excited to see everyone kind of come together as a community to celebrate Christmas,” attendee Camille Carmean said.
Festive lights and Christmas carols filled the streets of downtown St. Pete Saturday night.
“All the joy that it brings and all the families coming together just to celebrate that one holiday is just crazy,” said Emily Tyutyunik, an event-goer.
Crowds lined Bayshore Boulevard to get in on the action. There was also a group of elves working hard to make sure everyone felt loved.
Ansley Secle …