CENTRAL FLORIDA — From around the nation to here in Central Florida, citizens are honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this annual day of remembrance.

The civil rights icon was born on January 15, 1929. In 1964, at 35 years old, King became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless campaign for civil rights for all.

Monday's federal holiday in King's honor was passed in 1983 and was observed in the U.S. for the first time in 1986.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Winter Park and spoke at the Unity Heritage Festival, which not only celebrates King's life but raises money for the Educational Fulfillment Fund, which benefits local youth.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) shakes the hand of LaNorris Chapman, who received the Unity Heritage Award on Monday in honor of his mother, Hazel Betty Edwards Chapman, a teacher and civic leader. (Office of Gov. Ron DeSantis)

"The principles and ideas that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us have stood the test of time, and we are a far better country because of his leadership," DeSantis said. "He wanted excellence, instilling in people to be the best they could be in whatever path they choose to take."

Here are a few other remembrance events around Central Florida.

Brevard County

With parades and marches, the federal holiday was a celebration of the life of a civil rights pioneer.

In Melbourne, everyone braved the early morning cold weather with extra layers. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition says for 33 years, the peace march is a reminder of what unity looks like.

"At one point, it did seem that the world was truly coming together, and now there is a big gap," said Karen Riley, a member of the Melbourne coalition.

Also happening in Melbourne, a 3-mile march to honor King took place beginning at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library off University Boulevard in Melbourne.

More than 50 miles away, in Titusville, Rufus Edmonson celebrated a man who inspires him every day.

"He would have said more should have been done, but he would appreciate the progress that was done," said Edmonson, attending the Heritage Festival at Isaac Campbell Park.

Krystel Knowles

Orange County

Hundreds of people joined community leaders and the YMCA of Central Florida to commemorate the life of King at the 28th annual Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy Breakfast at First Baptist Church of Orlando.

"I think it's important that the generations behind us know why they have the opportunities that they have and who created them for them," said Moriah Johnson, the great granddaughter of Arthur "Pappy" Kennedy, Orlando's first black city council member. "You know that the world is your oyster. You can do it, too. You can take it even further," she said.

The breakfast is held every year and is named for Kennedy, who took the oath of office for city council in January 15, 1973.

In the Parramore neighborhood, the Parramore Clean-Up Service Project held a day of service to celebrate the life of the civil rights icon. More than 200 volunteers cleaned up parts of the Parramore community. Organizers said King's leadership, sacrifice, and willingness to empower others will be felt for generations to come.

"We've gathered 200 volunteers today and we're here to beautify the neighborhood. That means planting, picking up trash, painting, whatever needs to be done," said Patricia Broussard, a law professor at the FAMU College of Law. "It's a small gesture, because it's a half-a-day event, but it's in the spirit of Dr. King where we are trying to give something back to the community."

A vigil is being held Monday night King off Holt Avenue in Winter Park. That begins at 6 p.m.

Spectrum News Staff

Seminole County

At Fort Melon Park in Sanford, several hundred people gathered for a rally to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Admission was free, and the rally had food vendors, festivities, and live entertainment. Attendees stopped by to partake in the fun, and kids also had the chance to play in bounce houses.

In Oviedo, more than 1,000 lined the streets to watch the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. Organizers said the parade started over 20 years ago with just a few people participating. This year, 32 groups walked with more than 1,000 in attendance, according to parade coordinators. 

The event is held every year by the city of Oviedo and Oviedo Citizens in Action to honor the life of the American icon.

"Twenty years ago, we started off just walking from right around in here to a little church, just walking, and now they’ve got the big parade with 32 units on board," said Kathy Hunt, president of Oviedo Citizens in Action.

Those who watched said the enjoyed seeing the community come together to remember King's message of unity. 

"In today's climate, it's really good that everyone can come together on this day and just kind of celebrate that vision that Dr. Martin Luther King had," said Shawna Sherry, who turned out for the parade. "I think it’s really important. It's just one day, but it's like the first step in a whole bunch of days that we can just come together," she said.

The parade ended in Round Lake Park, which was set up for a family fun day. There, the winners of the parade float competition were announced. A committee judged all the parade floats based on which ones reflected King's message and spirit. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church took home first prize.

Nicole Griffin and Asher Wildman