I dont think the city is Highjacking anything, the police, fire, sanitation all cost money. Aqua-x brings in about 80 teams, so many of the smaller hotels get a influx of money. P- 1 brings in 8 teams, and the Offshore teams from every organization that 1: like sarasota, 2 : want to help promote the sport, 3; help the charity by providing a show for those that come to Lido beach july 4th weekend. you can either be part of the problem, or part of the solution! it is your choice to participate or not. may local companys have provided sponsorship money for the teams that have traveled from as far away as NJ, Ohio, and they arent the big money teams.

26 boats in the offshore class isnt bad.

There was a race last weekend it's almost impossible for the teams that were there to run back-to-back races, it gets expensive and hard on their equipment for the series they are running for a national championship.

I understand it cost the city money to put on the parade, why all the sudden this year now they have a problem with it because of cost. The city is also trying to shut down thunder on the bay which is a great motorcycle event, are you telling me that that is also because of the financial burden for the city. Sorry I'll say it again it sounds like the city is hijacking the charity. The fans and people of Sarasota deserve to have a parade. They have a parade for Christmas and numerous other parades that don't seem to be a problem and get funded why just the boat races. The people of Sarasota are the majority of the people at the races. They have been for years and years and every one of them are taxpayers. You would think they would get their money's worth and the city wouldn't be so greedy.

So just so we all understand what you're saying the reason why the parade was cancelled was because of poor turnout and boat count. Basically what you're saying is it there was more boats supporting it the city would have no problem paying for the parade

Just so you really know what's going on the city is allowing a minority of the people of Sarasota to dictate what happens on Main Street and some of the other areas because they are complaining about noise. That is the same reason why they are trying to move thunder on the bay and the city is allowing that to happen. It has nothing to do with Racers supporting the race. Just like you mentioned in your earlier post there is a total according to you of almost a hundred and fifteen teams they are racing this year which has to be the largest turnout in the history of Sarasota racing.

Funny how fast u made is political and about the racers.

well Cleveland Const, Instigator, Geico, FJ propellor, Doubleedge Mtrspts, Phantom 9, Mr technology 2, to name a few are here, Randy Sweer's would have been here had he not had a fire, I understand teams that didnt put into their schedule, or due to budget could not come. a team from NJ is here, as well as Simmons racing who brings two boats to the show! again you either support it or you dont! Lucy and staff have put together a pretty great show!

Sounds like alot great teams there still not sure what that has to do with no parade?