St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department Helps Bring Festive Cheer to Palm Valley Boat Parade
The St. Johns County Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to join the Palm Valley Community Association in presenting the 2024 Palm Valley Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners approved the partnership, along with $5,000 in additional funds for Parks & Recreation’s operating budget. That amount will cover the cost of a free shuttle service, safety lighting, additional portable restrooms, trash cans, and more.
“The goal, from the County’s perspective, is to assist in making this already-great event accessible for the larger community beyond those with direct Intracoastal access,” Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane said.
The Palm Valley Boat Parade’s yearly spectacle of floating light covers over seven miles of the Intracoastal and features hundreds of decorated docks, local restaurants, and noted public viewing areas. Those along the water can register their boats or docks via the Palm Valley Boat Parade website.
While limited parking will be available at the Palm Valley East Boat Ramp (383 S. Roscoe Blvd., St. Augustine), Parks and Recreation recommends its free shuttle service. Two shuttles will be in continuous rotation from the back parking lot of Alice B. Landrum Middle School (230 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach) from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Along with a great view of the parade and bleachers to sit on, the site under the Palm Valley Bridge will have Christmas music, food trucks (running in the same window as the shuttles), additional portable restrooms, and extra lighting for safety. Parks and Recreation anticipates the site could host 200 to 300 spectators.
“St. Johns County Parks & Recreation is excited for the ‘launch party,’” Kane said. “We encourage families to come out and see the amazing flotilla of lights to help kick off their holiday season.”