Boaters to hit the water to show support for presidential candidates

Expect traffic delays and crowded waterways this weekend, not just because of Labor Day, but because of boat parades planned for both presidential candidates.

“Any busy weekend where the weather is nice, everybody’s out,” said Emily Locicero.

Locicero has been chartering boats for 20 years, so she’s expecting it to be a bit hectic this weekend.

“It’s one of those days where you question, ‘Do I really want to be out there with all of these people,'” she said.

Supporters of President Trump and Vice President Biden are planning to parade through our waterways on Saturday.

“The overall goal is to support America, every American, regardless of where you’re from, support America, keep America great, ultimately,” said Brian Rezny, who organized the Trump boat parade.

Danika Fornear organized the Biden parade. “We really just want to show that there’s a lot of support out there for Biden/Harris,” she said. Fornear is also running for State House District 79.

The Trump boat parade will start at the north and south ends of Pine Island, then meet in the middle. They are expecting between 6,000 and 7,000 boats. “It’s going to be huge,” said Rezny.

Another parade for President Trump and one for Biden will begin at Horton Park in Cape Coral.

The Biden parade expects a few hundred boats and organizers say they’re trying to remain eco-friendly.

“We’re going to have canoes and kayaks and some standup paddle-boarders that will be coming. We actually have a rack of canoes that we’re loaning out to anyone that wants them,” Fornear added.

Both sides say the ultimate goal is keeping everyone safe.

“People need to be patient with each other and just get out there and have a good day,” said Locicero.

All boat parades are expected to start between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.