One of the great things about Florida’s holiday season is the beautifully decorated and lit boats in the statewide community boat parades. There seemed to be at least a dozen festive flotilas going on last Saturday night. St. Pete, Redington Beach, Tarpon Springs, Tampa and Treasure Island’s Boat Parades. We were happy to have been invited aboard the colorfully Christmas decorated hatted Mary Ann Bonsi and her huge yacht, the Miss Scarlett again this year for the classic Southern movie boat theming, “Gone With The Wind” water parade. And dressed up she was, all lit in white and blue shining LED lighting.

And as in the movie definitive memorable 1939 script quote, Mammy saying: “Oh now, Miss Scarlett, you come on and eat jess a little, honey!” Yes, we all did jess eat a little off a beautifully poinsettia dressed prepared buffet, par took in some tasty adult beverages, cheered land lookers and their party guests and listened to Judy B. Goode and Grady (who was dressed in a confederate soldiers uniform) sing holiday carols on board and broadcasting from the back of the vessel. Teacup cheered holiday wishes over the microphone to the many home holiday parties, condo get togethers. Company parties were well attended as we could see from the water into their annual events. John’s Pass’s many restaurants were abundantly crowded with colorfully decked out spectators. All along the bridges and streets, people stood in the most comfortable  weather and took in the full moon nights sights of the glistening colorful boats. Oh yes the benefits to an annual Florida holiday boating tradition