PALM COAST, Fla. – While there seemed to be more boat parade parties and plenty of onlookers perched along the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway on Saturday evening for the annual Palm Coast Boat Parade, there was one thing missing … boats.
For an event that usually draws more than 100 registrations and is billed as the largest boat parade in the state, the 2025 display left some onlookers wondering what happened.
Rumors of a wrong turn by a group of boats floated through the waterfront community, and a noticeable gap in the parade came as the first few boats zipped past at fast clip as the smaller boats seemed to struggle to keep up.
“We are definitely disappointed this year,” shared Idalina Santos on social media.
Gwen Shar had the opposite reaction, “I loved it! First timer here,” while Mona Tindall added some constructive criticism.
“Thank you for the boats that did participate. You looked wonderful. It was our first to watch. Expected to see more boats. Heard there was a change in participation. Events like this do bring in people therefore bring in money to the city! Nevertheless, it’s a holiday that comes once year. It should be made to be easy to be the best show around,” she said.
The event became a City of Palm Coast event in 2025 after fees and challenges created roadblocks for the Palm Coast Yacht Club who had organized the boat parade for decades unimpeded.
While the dynamics of the boat parade have shifted, let’s hope the parties can come together in 2026 for the good of the community to restore the title of Largest Boat Parade in Florida.
