Sarasota Bay lights up with annual Holiday Boat Parade

Mark Hoffman has always been a do-it-yourself kind of person. 

"I love working with my hands, and I love doing charity work. It's my whole goal in life now is just, help charities out, and Suncoast is one of my favorites," he said.

The south Bradenton resident was pleased to win first place in the category for private vessels from 21 to 35 feet, as well as "most creative," in the Holiday Boat Parade presented by Suncoast Charities for Children.

Held Dec. 13, the parade featured some 30 boats, which sailed across Sarasota Bay and past Bayfront Park and Marina Jack. 

Hoffman, a former pilot and aircraft mechanic, created the flamingo, which has a moving head and wings, using 1,100 feet of steel wiring, some leftover supplies, and 3D-printed parts. 

The wings are operated by a 12-volt motor commonly used in store displays, which he converted to use DeWalt batteries instead of a generator. He said the total cost was about $1,200 in raw materials, and "a few band-aids."

"I wanted grandparents to say, 'I remember when I was a kid,' and that's what I want to try to pass down, that people need to get hands-on and build stuff and not just buy something from a store, and make memories for the families and friends," he said. "That's what life's about."

Madison Fiedler, who attended the event in support of Suncoast Charities for Children, praised the organization, which provides support to six nonprofit agencies benefiting people with special needs, and its work on the event every year. 

"We have been here for a few years, and every year it gets better and better, and it's so exciting to see all the different boats that they have..." she said. "Suncoast Charities for Children is one of the best charities that you can support in Sarasota every single year."