29th Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival June 29-July 7

Sarasota, FL ñ June 4, 2013 ñ The 29 Annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival gets underway June 29th to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. Spearheading this years Festival are Lucy Nicandri (Festival Director), John Carbonell (Race Chairman & President of Super Boat International Productions), and Julie Brown (Volunteer Festival Chair/Board Member of Suncoast Charities for Children).

This years Festival offers over 15 different events within 9 days for the entire family to enjoy. Organizers welcome special guest Capt. Edgar Hansen of "Deadliest Catch" as Grand Marshal for the Festival Parade of Boats scheduled for July 5th.Approx. 30 powerboats are expected to race including international powerboat racer, Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani of Qatar, who plans to debut a new turbine boat called Spirit of Qatar. This turbine boat is capable of propelling to a top speed of 200 mph out on the water.

This Grand Prix Race will be held off Lido Beach on Sunday, July 7, with two races scheduled at 11 am and 1 pm. Live race coverage will be carried on WTZB 105.9FM ì The Buzz, SNN Local News, and streamed live on Superboat.com. VIP race day tickets are currently available for purchase on the Festival website suncoastoffshore.org

Major Festival Sponsors include Sarasota County, City of Sarasota, Walgreens, The Sarasota County Sports Commission, Budweiser, FCCI Insurance Group, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Comcast, Bright House Networks, Netgear, WTZB 105.9FM, SNN Local News, and Restaurants In Sarasota.com. Official Festival merchandise is available at all Walgreens store locations within Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Sarasota is one of the longest continuously running race sites in the country. In 2012 an estimated economic impact of $14.3 Million dollars was generated from the Festival and Race. Over the past 28 years, $14 Million in facilities have been constructed serving children with special needs and their families. Agencies occupying these facilities include Loveland Center, Sarasota County Special Olympics, Community Haven, The Florida Center, and Children First. A hydro-therapeutic pool was also constructed at Oak Park School. Net proceeds raised each year provides funding for special project requests and maintenance to some of these facilities, so that program and service money can go directly to the clients they serve.

FOR FESTIVAL INFORMATION VISIT: www.suncoastoffshore.org