Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade Canceled Amid Legal Considerations, Safety Concerns

Popular and longstanding Merritt Island Boat Parade Pauses Following 2024 Accident

ABOVE VIDEO: Cameron T. Michaels, 26, of Merritt Island, has been sentenced to jail for recklessly crashing his speedboat, styled after a Corvette, into another boat during the 2024 Christmas Boat Parade on Sykes Creek.

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA — The much-anticipated annual holiday tradition, the Merritt Island Christmas Boat Parade, will not take place in 2025, according to the parade organizers, who cited ongoing legal entanglements and safety concerns stemming from a dramatic crash last year during the event.

The crash, which happened last year on December 7, involved a novelty speedboat—styled like a red Corvette—that went out of control during the parade along Sykes Creek and collided with another vessel, resulting in injuries to three people.

In August 2025, 26-year-old Cameron T. Michaels of Merritt Island pleaded no contest to charges of reckless operation of a vessel and culpable negligence inflicting injury.

He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, one year of probation, and must pay restitution to the victims.

In announcing the cancellation, the parade’s presenting sponsor, Blue Marlin Real Estate, said, “After eight incredible and nearly uninterrupted years … we are heartbroken to share that we will not be hosting the event this year.” The post added that “several related legal matters remain unsolved” and pointed to “reckless acts by a few [that] have affected many.” The complete statement is shown below.

For participants and spectators alike, this year’s cancellation is a blow to one of the community’s signature holiday events. Houses and waterways along the parade route had become gathering points for festive lights, decorated vessels, and holiday spirit.

Organizers say they remain “confident that the parade will continue in some capacity” in the future—but add that they need time to address safety protocols and legal exposure before setting a new date.

According to authorities, the crash was triggered by the speedboat’s driver revving his engine and streaking through the parade in erratic maneuvers, including “donuts” in the water near other vessels.

A witness recalled the driver “swerving very quickly around the pilings” before making contact with another boat and sending its passengers airborne.

While the 2025 parade is officially off, Central Brevard residents hope the long-standing event will return in the near future.

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