JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 05, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Santa is coming to visit good boys and girls this week when Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway’s eighth annual Christmas Train comes to town on Saturday, December 9th.
The FEC Christmas Train is run in coordination with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation and travels from Jacksonville to Miami along FEC Railway’s 351-mile mainline track.
Along the way, Santa Claus will be spreading holiday cheer from the decorated, historic FEC passenger cars. US Marine Corps service members will be at each stop along the route to greet Santa and his FEC elves. Santa will de-board at each stop so children can tell him what they’d like for Christmas. It is a beloved tradition among FEC employees, their families, customers, suppliers and the communities in which they serve.
"We are proud to be able to once again work alongside the Marine Corps and the Toys for Tots Foundation to contribute to those in need during the holiday season," said Jim Hertwig, FEC President and CEO.
"Since we started the program seven years ago, we have donated close to 300,000 toys for distribution throughout the community, and it only continues to grow,” he continued.
The FEC Christmas Train is a 501c3, so anyone who would like to make a donation to the organization can receive a tax deduction. All donations will go toward children and teens in need in the local community.
Santa and his merry train will make eight stops at the railroad crossings listed below for approximately 20 minutes, during which strict safety procedures will be in place for the security and enjoyment of everyone in attendance:
| City | RR Crossing Location | Times (approximate) |
| Jacksonville | Mussel Acres Road – West | 7:10 AM |
| St. Augustine | San Sebastian View – East | 8:10 AM |
| New Smyrna Beach | Canal Street – East | 10:05 AM |
| Cocoa | Dixon Boulevard – West | 11:45 AM |
| Fort Pierce | Orange Avenue – West | 1:30 PM |
| West Palm Beach | 36th Street – East | 3:00 PM |
| Fort Lauderdale | SW 17th Street – West | 4:25 PM |
| Miami | NE 87th Street – West | 5:15 PM |
About Florida East Coast Railway
The Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway is a 351-mile freight rail system located along the east coast of Florida. It is the exclusive rail provider for PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach. FEC Railway connects to the national railway system in Jacksonville, Fla., to move cargo originating or terminating there. Based in Jacksonville, Fla., FEC Railway provides end-to-end intermodal and carload solutions to customers who demand cost-effective and premium quality.