Fort Myers marks MLK Day with parade and festivities

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

Downtown Fort Myers is bustling with activity as the community gathers to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a parade and festivities organized by the Dunbar Festival Committee (DFC).

The event features a parade that began at 10 a.m. and continues with a celebration at the amphitheater until 5 p.m. Despite the chilly weather, many people have come out to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy, enjoying a variety of vendors selling shirts, merchandise, barbecue, Caribbean food, fresh-pressed juices, and snow cones.

Attendees should be aware of road closures on Edwards Drive and Monroe Street, along with slowdowns throughout downtown. This year marks the DFC's 25th anniversary of the parade and celebration. Todd Thomas, the committee's vice president, highlighted the day's focus on celebration and community engagement.

"We've got food, we've got fellowship. We have all types of information. You want to register to vote? You can do that. You want to get information on your health? You can do that," Thomas said.

As the community celebrates, those planning to travel downtown are encouraged to allow extra time to navigate the road closures.

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