If you’ve never experienced the Ozona Golf Cart Parade, you’re missing one of the most charming, only-in-Florida traditions we have. Every December, our little golf-cart-loving village lights up—literally—as neighbors deck out their carts in twinkle lights, inflatables, and over-the-top holiday themes, then roll through the streets together in one big moving block party.
It’s festive, a little quirky, and very Ozona.
When and Where It Happens
The Ozona Annual Holiday Golf Cart Parade is being held Sunday, December 14th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., with staging beginning around 5:30 p.m. in downtown Ozona. Golf carts gather near Molly Goodhead’s Raw Bar & Restaurant and the Ozona Pig, where participants check in, get their cart number, and line up.
The event is organized and sponsored by the Ozona Village Improvement Society (OVIS), which handles permits, insurance, and coordination with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office so the whole thing runs safely and smoothly.
How to Participate
If you want to be in the parade (not just watching from your driveway), here’s the gist based on the latest event details: (ozonavillagefl)
Registration: There’s a small registration donation for each golf cart. In recent years it’s been around $20 in advance, with a bit more if you pay at the event.
True golf carts only:
Check-in: Plan to arrive near Molly’s/Ozona Pig by 5:30 p.m. for staging and check-in.
Judging: If you want to compete for “Best Decorated Cart,” you’ll need to be registered and have your cart number displayed so the judges can find you along the route.
Always double-check the latest info through OVIS before you go, since details (like fees and times) can change from year to year.
Map of the Ozona Golf Cart Parade Route
One of the best parts of the parade is how it winds through the village so both waterfront streets and interior neighborhoods get in on the fun.
Scroll down to see the parade route map image, which shows the full loop through Ozona.
For blog readers, here’s a simple overview of how the route typically flows, based on the most recent map:
Start / Staging: Around Bay St & Orange St by Molly Goodhead’s and the Ozona Pig.
The parade rolls north through downtown, then loops through the residential streets near Ozona Trail and Orchid Dr.
From there, it heads west toward the water along Bay St and then down Shore Dr, taking in those classic Ozona waterfront views.
The line winds its way around Harbor Dr and nearby side streets, then cuts back inland via Lagoon Dr and North Carolina Ave.
The route continues along Ridge Rd, North St, and back through the village streets before returning toward the downtown area.
Exact streets and turns can vary slightly year to year, so the official map on the OVIS website should always be your final reference for the current parade.
Best Spots to Watch
Because the parade loops through so many pockets of Ozona, you’ve got options:
Downtown Ozona: Near Molly’s and the Ozona Pig if you want the energy of staging, music, and lots of people.
Along Shore Dr & Harbor Dr: For waterfront views, twinkle lights reflecting on the water, and that cozy “old Florida” feel.
Interior streets like Ridge Rd, Lagoon Dr, and North Carolina Ave: Perfect if you’d rather stay closer to home, set up chairs in the driveway, and let the parade come to you.
Wherever you land, bring your chairs, a drink, maybe some glow sticks for the kids, and be ready to wave at friends and neighbors as they roll by.
Tips for Decorating Your Golf Cart
If you’re entering a cart this year, here are a few ideas inspired by past winners and Ozona’s “go big or go home” decorating style: (ozonavillagefl)
Pick a theme: Think “Polar Express,” “Tiki Christmas,” “Nutcracker,” boat-themed carts, or classic coastal Christmas.
Light it up: Battery-powered LED strands, rope lights, and lit garlands show up beautifully after dark.
Don’t forget music: A portable speaker with holiday playlists makes your cart feel like its own tiny float.
Keep it safe: Secure everything tightly, don’t block the driver’s view, and make sure riders can sit or stand safely while moving.
Why the Ozona Golf Cart Parade Matters
This isn’t just about golf carts and Christmas lights. The parade is:
A fundraiser and community event supported by OVIS, which pours time and resources into keeping Ozona special. (ozonavillagefl)
A way for neighbors to meet each other, wave at familiar faces, and make memories with kids and grandkids.
A perfect snapshot of what people love about living in Ozona—a walkable, golf-cart-friendly village with a big heart and a quirky sense of fun. (Pinellas County)
If you’re already here, I hope you and your family will either decorate a cart or pull up some chairs along the route this year. If you’re reading this because you’re thinking about moving to Ozona or North Pinellas and want to know what life here actually feels like, this parade is a pretty great example.
And if you ever want to talk about finding a home along this very route—or anywhere in Palm Harbor, Ozona, or the surrounding coastal neighborhoods—I’m just a message away.
Curious? Let’s go over it together—coffee or a walkthrough, your call.
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