Six World War II veterans will lead the 48th annual Ruskin Veterans Day Parade down U.S. 41 on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m.

The parade heads north from Fifth Ave. SE to 11th Ave. NE in Ruskin. Spectators can expect krewe floats, Jeep krewes, ROTC cadets, veterans organizations, civic groups and local businesses along the route, according to the Observer News. Earl Bush, Ruskin's honorary mayor, will also take part.

The six grand marshals are Navy Seaman Vern Wick, Army Capt. Lloyd Grable, Army Staff Sgt. Maurice "Mo" Lanouette, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Del Connell, Army Cpl. Harvey Demenza and Army Private 1st Class George Tamburello. They served in the Pacific, European and African theaters.

In coverage published in October, Bonnie Peacock, executive director of the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, said, "We do this to recognize all South Shore Veterans, especially those who served during World War II … This year, six from our area will serve as the parade's grand marshals and receive special plaques."

Parade almost didn't happen

The chamber took over parade planning from Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287 in 2024, but hurricanes Helene and Milton forced cancellation that year. This year, rising costs again put the event in doubt. Community donations and funding from local attorney Chris Ligori and State Rep. Michael Owen covered county permitting and off-duty sheriff's deputies for traffic control, according to the Observer News.

The VFW Post 6287 newsletter confirmed the parade was back on after a period of uncertainty. An after-party and awards ceremony follow at the post, located at 5120 N. U.S. 41 in Apollo Beach. Judges include Owen, Hillsborough County Commissioner Josh Wostal and SouthShore Chamber president Sean Andrews.

Free concert collects food for families

Later Saturday, the 501 Band plays a free outdoor show at The Lakeside at Waterset, 7250 Parkshore Drive in Apollo Beach. Food trucks open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 6 p.m.

The show is part of Waterset's Concerts for a Cause series, hosted by Brookfield in support of Feeding Tampa Bay, according to the Waterset community blog. Concertgoers are asked to bring nonperishable food items. A donation truck will be on site. All collected food goes to The Community Cupboard in Ruskin, which feeds more than 500 families each week, according to the Osprey Observer.

Suggested donations include pasta, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, mac and cheese and packaged cookies.

The concert series wraps up Nov. 14 with Summer Breeze playing yacht rock. In 2025, the series collected more than 2,300 pounds of food for The Community Cupboard, according to Waterset's year-in-review post.

What's ahead

  • Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. — 48th annual Ruskin Veterans Day Parade, northbound U.S. 41 in Ruskin. After-party at VFW Post 6287. Call 813-645-1366 for information.
  • Saturday, Nov. 7, 5 p.m. — Concerts for a Cause with 501 Band, The Lakeside at Waterset, 7250 Parkshore Drive, Apollo Beach. Free admission. Call 813-235-0154 for details.
  • Saturday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m. — Concerts for a Cause finale with Summer Breeze, same location.