Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and City of St. Petersburg Honor Local Veterans with Annual Ceremony and Special Luncheon Invitation

Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and City of St. Petersburg Honor Local Veterans with Annual Ceremony and Special Luncheon Invitation

November 4, 2025 - Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and the City of St. Petersburg are recognizing Veterans Day with two upcoming events. First, Mayor Welch will present the Annual Honored Veteran Award at the 12th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11. Later in the week, the Sunshine Senior Center will host the Victor and Valor Veterans Day Luncheon on Thursday, November 13.

12th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

Tuesday, November 11, 9 a.m.
Williams Park Veterans Memorial
350 2nd Ave. N

The annual ceremony is returning to the Williams Park Veterans Memorial after being moved to City Hall last year due to impacts from Hurricane Helene and Milton.

During the event, the Honored Veteran Award will be presented posthumously in honor of the late Bryant Keith Harrell, a U.S. Navy veteran, in recognition of his service and sacrifice. This award presentation reflects the City's appreciation for all local veterans.

About Bryant Harrell

Seaman Bryant Keith Harrell, U.S. Navy (Dec.), embodied the three core values embraced by the U.S. Navy - honor, courage, and commitment - in both his service and personal life. A proud U.S. Navy seaman, Mr. Harrell started the first fight team aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. He was an expert in martial arts, gun safety, and hand-to-hand combat providing training to U.S. Navy Seals, active military members, community members, and youth. Mr. Harrell and his wife, Leotte, founded Midtown Miracles, a martial arts nonprofit serving youth. Together, they taught physical skills and instilled life-changing confidence in young people.

For additional details about the Veterans Day Ceremony, contact Helen Rhymes, Social Services Planning Manager, at [email protected] or 727-893-4149.

Victor and Valor Veterans Day Luncheon

Thursday, November 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunshine Senior Center
330 5th St. N

In the days following the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony, the City will host the Victor and Valor Veterans Day Luncheon, where veterans can connect with fellow service members, family, and community supporters. Following the luncheon, a Valor Pinning Ceremony will be held to recognize and honor the bravery and dedication of veterans in attendance.

The event also includes a Community Resource Expo for participants to explore a variety of local services and programs available to support their well-being. Representatives will be available to offer information and answer questions about the resources their organizations offer to veterans.

Registration is required to attend the luncheon. This event is open to all veterans, who will receive a complimentary lunch. Veterans are invited to bring one guest. Early registration is recommended, as space is limited.

To register for the event, visit https://www.stpeteparksrec.org/Events or call the Sunshine Senior Center at 727-893-7133.