Long Beach cancels Naples Island holiday boat parade due to high tide safety concerns

The Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade, an 80-year tradition in Long Beach, has been canceled this year due to safety concerns related to forecasted king tides, CBS News Los Angeles reported.

Tides during the week of Christmas are expected to reach 7.5 to 8.5 feet, about 6 to 18 inches above normal levels, driven by El Niño conditions, according to CBS News Los Angeles.

High tides have already caused flooding along the Long Beach coast, damaging the seaside boardwalk and oceanfront homes in the Peninsula. Mandatory evacuations and advisories have been issued, with some homes tagged as unsafe.

Water has spilled over seawalls on Naples Island, flooding sidewalks and threatening residences with up to two feet of water in some areas. Long Beach’s mayor described the impacts as unprecedented.

Local business owners, such as the owner of George's Greek Café in Belmont Shore, expressed concern about the parade cancellation's effect on business but agreed with the decision prioritizing community safety.

Organizers plan to pause the parade for one year to focus on making the area safer for future events once El Niño conditions subside.