ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will have a different look this year.

People across the nation, including those in the Bay area are preparing to honor the memory of Dr. King through a national day of service. 

But many events, large and small, are not taking place due to the coronavirus. And events at the MLK Memorial in Washington D.C. are canceled due to extra security surrounding this week’s presidential inauguration.

In 2020, the United States faced racial tensions similar to those King experience during his lifetime. America also bid farewell to Civl Rights icon, and Dr. King’s friend Sen. John Lewis.

On Monday, many will commemorate the federal holiday by participating in a day of service.

Many Bay area events have been canceled postponed. Events in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater and Plant City have been forced online or been postponed until later in the year.

St. Petersburg’s signature MLK Parade will be virtual at 11 a.m.

Tampa’s MLK Day parade has been pushed back to June, to take place with Juneteeth celebrations. 

The Martin Luther King Junior Parade Committee and the City of Lakeland canceled their 2021 parade.