FILE PHOTO Action from a previous Roar Offshore race along Fort Myers Beach. The races return Oct. 8 this year.

The Roar Offshore powerboat races are scheduled to hit the waves of Fort Myers Beach Saturday, Oct. 8 with a preview parade downtown on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Organizers Tim and Cyndee Hill say they are expecting 70 powerboats this year, two more than participated last year. Teams from around the country are expected to take part this. Last year’s event drew boats from as far away as Texas and Kansas.

Those looking to get a close-up view of the boats this year will find the parade the best way to do so. The parade will begin at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 over the Matanzas Pass Bridge and go down along Old San Carlos Boulevard, ending at intersecting streets, Mr. Hill said.

“The parade is the best part of the weekend,” he said.

The boats will be stationed at the American Legion hall on Buttonwood Drive in Fort Myers Beach. There will be no public parking.

Ms. Hill urged folks to arrive on the beach early to avoid traffic and parking issues.

Lee County will be offering free tram shuttles, Ms. Hill said. There will be a meet-and-greet with the powerboat drivers Friday evening, Oct. 7 at The Whale on Estero Boulevard.

The races begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 and will run until 4 p.m. The races will culminate with an awards ceremony at the Lani Kai Island Resort on Fort Myers Beach Saturday evening. Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.

The races starts and finishes in the Gulf of Mexico near The Beach Bar, with the first turn in the area in front of the Junkanoo and the final turn near the Fort Myers Beach Pier.

“We do this for the love of the sport,” Mr. Hill said. “We’re just passionate about the sport and our community.”

Tim and Cyndee Hill belong to Fort Myers Offshore, a group of offshore boating enthusiasts. The group raises funds to help students pursue higher education.

A full schedule and additional information about the Fort Myers Beach Roar Offshore event can be found at www.roaroffshore.com.