Share and Follow
Jacksonville and its neighboring regions are set to host a series of events on Tuesday in tribute to military veterans.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —
Jacksonville 2025 Veterans Day Parade
The annual Veterans Day Parade in Jacksonville is scheduled for November 11, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the nation’s brave servicemen and women. According to city officials, the event draws more than 2,500 participants each year. This impressive turnout includes high-ranking military leaders, both active-duty and retired service members, veteran organizations, and local student groups. Notably, it’s the largest Veterans Day celebration of its kind in Florida.
Residents are encouraged to don patriotic colors—red, white, and blue—and line the streets to cheer on the parade participants. The procession will cover approximately 1.11 miles and is expected to last around two hours.
The parade will kick off in Downtown Jacksonville at 11:01 a.m., beginning at the Jacksonville Center of the Performing Arts on Water Street. The route takes a left onto Hogan Street, then continues east on Bay Street, concluding at Lot X.
The First Coast News weather team says to be prepared for wind chills in the low 40s. Make sure to bring a coat. The event is rain-or-shine.
Traffic-wise, there will be road closures in the area throughout the morning and afternoon to accommodate the floats, performers, and crowds.
The following roads will be fully closed:
- Stonewall St & Park St
- Park St & Water St & Lee & W Bay
- Water St (Jefferson St & Lee St)
- Riverside Ave to Water
- Jefferson St & Water St
- Acosta Bridge off-ramp to Water St
- Main St (Southbound) & Bay St
- Main St (Northbound) & Riverplace Blvd
- Newnan St & E Bay St
- Liberty St & Forsyth St (close Forsyth St on ramp eastbound)
- Washington St & Monroe St
- Marsh St & Bay St
- Lafayette St & Forsyth St
- APR St & Gator Bowl Blvd (westbound)
Other streets will see rolling closures or other traffic control measures. All roads will reopen by 2 p.m.
“It is truly an honor to participate in this meaningful celebration of the brave men and women from our community who have served our country,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “As a proud military town, Jacksonville has a rich Veterans Day tradition, and I encourage all our citizens to be a part of it.”
Other Veterans Day events and deals
Beaches Veterans Day Parade
- 9 a.m.
- Beaches Veterans Memorial Park (1 West 1st St., Atlantic Beach)
Clay County Veterans Day at the Camp Blanding Museum
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ceremony followed by lunch at World War II prices
- Free t-shirts for the first 100 veterans
The National Park Service offers free entry each Veterans Day to parks that normally require a fee to visit. However, the government shutdown may affect services and staffing.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers one free general admission ticket for all military veterans and active-duty service members on Nov. 11. Make sure to bring your military ID to the entry gate to take advantage of the deal. Dependents do not qualify.
