Arrive early and stay late to avoid parade congestion at UTC

Kyle Pfender, a law enforcement lieutenant with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, probably wishes that those attending Santa's Grand Arrival Parade on Nov. 8 at The Mall at University Town Center could swoop into the area on Santa's sleigh.

But they can't, and he knows it.

With between 15,000 to 20,000 spectators expected, Pfender knows a major traffic headache will once again be part of the major event.

Pfender was asked if the Sheriff's Office had any tips for those planning to attend an event that will lock down a portion of North Cattlemen Road from 4 p.m. to after 10 p.m.

"I don't have a good answer when you are jamming 15,000 to 20,000 people into such a small area," he said. "I would say just pack your patience because you are going to be dealing with congestion."

Pfender said one of the few suggestions he would make would be to consider using the Fruitville Road exit off Interstate 75 and taking Cattlemen Road north into the mall area. 

"Other than that, just get there early because it is going to be easier parking," he said.

Pfender did say that going south on Cattlemen when leaving the event would make sense, or to use DeSoto Road going west toward Honore Avenue.

"Perhaps it means sneaking out before the fireworks," he said.

But when it comes to beating the traffic, he said patience is king.

"I will say that the traffic does clean out relatively fast after the event," he said. "After 35 to 40 minutes, you can drive right out."

The Sheriff's Office will have "in excess of 30 officers on site" to help motorists negotiate the congestion. 

Pfender said the Sheriff's Office doesn't have a big problem with people illegally parking during the event or blocking emergency access points.

"There are not really many small, individual parking lots, so it's kind of wide open," he said.

He said that while people can be sitting in traffic, he hasn't seen any "large incidents" of road rage over the years.

"It is not a big drinking event," he said. "There are a lot of people here, but It's a family event."

Julie Fanning, the director of marketing for Benderson Development, said her staff meets every year to discuss how to make access to the parade easier and more enjoyable for the public.

"This has become a beloved, community event," she said. "The parade has evolved. It is on Cattlemen for the fourth year after it used to be in the mall parking lot. We love watching all the families come together."

Photo by Jay Heater

Knowing that traffic congestion is unavoidable, Fanning said that UTC Sarasota and the Mall at UTC, which host the event, are trying to do everything possible to lengthen the experience so people can arrive a little earlier or leave a little later to make traffic flow better.

The NoFilter high-energy dance band has been added to the front of the event at 4 p.m. on the main stage so those arriving early have one more highlight to enjoy. That's not to mention that all the restaurants and shops at UTC love to host the crowds. Some restaurants have added pop-up service stations to make it easier to order.

"We just want to encourage people to arrive early, and we want to keep them entertained," Fanning said.

The event will include more early giveaways from 4 p.m. on, food trucks in the mall parking lot, live characters walking the parade route earlier than in the last, and more added entertainment to the front portion of the event.

We The Kings, a popular rock band that formed in Bradenton in 2005, will be back to close the event with a concert that begins approximately at 8 p.m. after a 15-minute fireworks show.

"We want to keep the festivities going," Fanning said.

Photo by Jay Heater

She said additional parking also will be available. 

"A tip is to park on the east side of the mall, by the (Wonderland: Believe) tents, where we have added additional parking," Fanning said. "We've added more lights and parking attendants all over. Nathan Benderson Park will remain open, so anyone can park for free there and walk over. There will be lighted crossing guards on University (Parkway)."

The parade itself will be bigger than ever with over 60 entries, about 10 more than last year. New to the parade will be Macy's Parade-style helium balloons, include a 45-foot Nutcracker balloon, a soccer ball sponsored by the Sarasota Paradise, a giant piñata by Rocco's Tacos, and a giant Santa snow globe.

Fanning said bleachers and risers have been added along the parade route along with giant LED screens to make it easier for people to see.

"There will be plenty of areas along the route to see the parade, so just be courteous," Fanning said.