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Central Florida honors legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend

By Brittany Caldwell, WFTV.com

Participants gather at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial during the Realize the Dream Rally for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington August 24, 2013. Thousands of marchers were expected in Washington, D.C. on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech and to urge action on jobs, voting rights and gun violence. REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan

By Brittany Caldwell, WFTV.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida will honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with a series of local events this weekend.

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The following counties will have events this weekend:

Brevard County

Saturday, Jan. 14

10 a.m. - 1 p.m., 18th annual MLK Memorial Breakfast Program and Breakfast at the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Hall, 300 Malabar Rd. in Palm Bay.

A $40 donation is requested.

7 p.m. - The MLK Weekend “Fight For Freedom” boxing, MMA and kickboxing event at the Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane in Cocoa.

Tickets start at $40.

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Sunday, Jan. 15

6 p.m. - The 2023 King Holiday Observance at the Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

11 a.m. - Service centered on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the church on 2185 Meadowlane Ave. in West Melbourne.

Monday, Jan. 16

11:30 a.m. - The MLK Day Celebration Town Hall at the Piper-Gardner American Legion Post 191 in Melbourne.

2 p.m. - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March and Program at the Cocoa Riverfront Park and amphitheater.

The march will leave Provost Park and walk to Cocoa Riverfront Park.

MLK Come Together Block Party program.

Free; will feature food, giveaways, bounce houses, and a live DJ, speakers, skits, and special appearances by Titusville’s mayor and others. Hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the corner of DeLeon Avenue and Gilbert Street in Titusville.

Orange County

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission announced the Orlando events for the first quarter of 2023. The volunteer organization will honor the late civil rights leader and promote a community based on peace, justice, freedom and respect.

Saturday, Jan. 14

10 a.m. - 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade on Orange Avenue

The parade theme is “It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Break the Cycle of Injustice.”

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2 p.m. - City of Eatonville Parade

Monday, Jan. 16

7:45 a.m. - Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 32nd Annual Prayer Breakfast at First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway

  • Guest Speaker Barbara Jenkins
  • Held on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for more than 30 years
  • Commemorates civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member

For more information on event registration, click here.

9 a.m. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service at Lake Lorna Doone Park, 1519 West Church Street

9 a.m. - Seedlings for Civil Rights at Gilbert McQueen Park, 650 West Lake Mann Drive

Help beautify homes in the community by planting trees, mulching and removing litter from surrounding areas. The commission will provide snacks, water and supplies but closed-toe shoes are required.

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10 a.m. - City of Ocoee Parade

This event will be held for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

WFTV anchor Daralene Jones will be the keynote speaker.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Citrus Elementary School and will end at the parking lot of the West Oaks Mall on Clark Road.

10 a.m. - City of Winter Garden Parade

2 p.m. - City of Apopka Parade

Osceola County

Saturday, Jan. 14

Noon - 5 p.m., 2023 MLK Unity Celebration at Kissimmee Lakefront Park

This free annual event will honor the spirit and goodwill of Martin Luther King Jr. with gospel music, stage performances and a new Unity Garden.

The garden will showcase Dr. King’s legacy with original art pieces.

Seminole County

Monday, Jan. 16

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oviedo MLK Day Parade & Celebration

This free event will start with the parade at 10 a.m. at Oviedo High School and will end at Round Lake Park.

The family-friendly fun day at the park will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with entertainment, activities, vendors and food.

Volusia County

Saturday, Jan. 14

Noon - 2 p.m., Martin Luther King Luncheon Celebration at the Center at Deltona on 1640 Dr. M.L.K. Blvd.

The Deltona DreamKeepers and the African American Association of Deltona will host a luncheon to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling Mike Williams at 386-804-6136.

4 p.m. - DeLand MLK Celebration at the City Sanctuary Church

Guests can take part in The Worship Experience with Dorinda Clark-Cole.

This event will be a free concert with the MLK Mass Choir.

Tickets are available here.

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