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Tag: Gasparilla Pirate Festival

  • Weather prompts Gasparilla invasion route change, parade on as scheduled

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Gasparilla pirate invasion will look a little different Saturday, due to the expected cold temperatures and high winds.


    Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announced the Jose Gasparilla II is changing its route for the invasion that takes place on the Hillsborough River. The Gasparilla Flotilla will now take off from Port Tampa Bay and head directly to the Tampa Convention Center. This is much shorter than the typical route that runs from Ballast Point Park to the convention center.

    Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, which leads the invasion, issued this statement:

    “Due to weather conditions and out of an abundance of caution, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, has established a contingency plan for the Gasparilla Invasion scheduled for Saturday.

    The safety and security of the Tampa community remains our highest priority and continues to guide all decision-making. As part of this plan, the Jose Gasparilla II will sail from Port Tampa Bay to the Tampa Convention Center. In addition, our maritime experts strongly encourage captains of local vessels to closely monitor weather conditions and exercise sound judgment when making boating decisions on Saturday morning.

    With confidence, we affirm that the invasion of Tampa will move forward as custom dictates, and Mayor Jane Castor is advised to stand ready to relinquish the key to the city at 1 PM.”


    Local law enforcement is asking boaters who plan to take part in the flotilla to do so with caution.

    After the invasion wraps up, all eyes turn to Bayshore Boulevard for the Parade of Pirates. Community groups and pirate krewes will laugh, sing, dance and throw tens of thousands of strings of beads to those watching from the sidewalk.

    One of those is the Krewe of Blackbeard’s Revenge, which will be celebrating its 15th anniversary.

    Members of the krewe say that since it formed in 2011, the group has raised more than $400,000 for a number of Tampa Bay-area charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Shriners Children’s Hospital.

    “That’s kind of what brought us together — philanthropy. Helping in our local community,” Krewe leader Howie Taylor said.

    The Krewe of Blackbeard’s Revenge was named after one of its founders, Bobby “Blackbeard” Schatzberg, who was affectionately called “Shatzie.” Schatzberg died in 2021 and his krewe decided to keep his memory alive by bringing a cardboard cutout of him to every Gasparilla parade.

    “It means a lot to me when people say, ‘Look, it’s Blackbeard!’ Then they want to take a picture with him,” Krewe co-founder Darrell Haun explained.

    Haun said each member of his krewe pays for their own beads that they then throw into the audience on Gasparilla. He says each year, krewe members pay hundreds of dollars a piece for just beads alone.

    While the cold weather may not seem as fun for those watching, Haun said he’s looking on the bright side: Colder weather means he and his krewe can wear some of their most traditional clothing, something they haven’t had the chance to do in years.

    “We have jackets between $200 to $400 and we haven’t been able to wear them for probably five or six years,” he said. “So, it’s actually going to be kinda cool to actually wear our full garb.”

    The city of Tampa says to receive 2026 Gasparilla updates, safety tips and traffic alerts, text GASPARILLA to 888-777.

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    Angie Angers

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  • Businesses prep for a cold, windy Gasparilla

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    TAMPA, Fla. — “Shiver me timbers” may take on a whole new meaning this Gasparilla, as temperatures are expected to drop while the winds pick up Saturday, the day of the annual Pirate Fest celebration. 

    “Cold and windy for Gasparilla this year, unfortunately,” said Spectrum News meteorologist Brian McClure. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem on land. The problem’s going to be a lot of people like to take their boats out, right? That’s the biggest issue.”

    What You Need To Know

    • This weekend’s Gasparilla celebrations are expected to include temperatures that dip into the 40s and wind gusts of up to 40 mph

    • South Tampa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Flannery said Gasparilla is important for local businesses, with 300,000 visitors expected and a projected economic impact of $20 million

    • Flannery said she’s not expecting people to cancel hotel and restaurant reservations due to the weather

    • The COO of Jackson’s Bistro along the flotilla route said the restaurant is prepared for cooler temps, with heaters and screens to protect people from wind and rain on the patio


    McClure said on land, winds are expected to get up to 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. Temperatures are expected to dip into the 40s.

    “I remember a lot of cold Gasparillas. I remember lots of wet Gasparillas. I remember some Gasparillas where we even had some severe weather, but I don’t remember a Gasparilla where it was windy and cold combined,” McClure said. “I think that’s going to be the biggest problem is the wind is just going to be so strong.”

    According to Kelly Flannery, president and CEO of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 300,000 people are expected to come out for the weekend’s flotilla and parade.

    “Gasparilla’s a fantastic weekend,” Flannery said. “Our hotels are going to be full. Our restaurants and bars are full.”

    That includes Jackson’s Bistro, which is on the flotilla route and offers a front row seat to watch the boats go by.

    “It’s just shoulder-to-shoulder, wall-to-wall, bow-to-bow out there on the water, and everybody’s having a good time,” said James Hamilton, the restaurant’s chief operating officer.

    Hamilton said Jackson’s business jumps by about 300% during Gasparilla compared to a normal weekend.

    “It’s literally an invasion,” Hamilton said. “It’s the field of dreams. If you build a restaurant here, they’re coming on Gasparilla.”

    He said the restaurant is ready for the chilly weather.

    “I wasn’t worried about it. We just spent millions of dollars renovating this patio, putting in these heaters, dropping down these canopies to keep the wind off of everybody,” Hamilton said. “We had the warmest New Year’s Eve we’ve ever had while everybody else was cold. So, Gasparilla will be the same.”

    Flannery said she doesn’t expect visitors to cancel planned reservations at hotels and restaurants because of the weather. She said the festival usually brings a $20 million economic impact with it.

    “I think that the cold weather is going to add another element to this weekend’s events, but I don’t think it’s going to keep people away,” she said. “I think people have been looking forward to this weekend all year. People travel from all over the state or all over the southeast part of the country to attend this event.”

    Hamilton also said he expects Jackson’s to be as busy as usual with crowds of Gasparilla faithful.

    “They’re pretty dedicated,” he said. “The costumes they wear are made for the summer no matter what the weather is, and they don’t look like they’re cold. They’re really dedicated.”

    McClure said he’s recommending people don’t take their personal boats out on Saturday. He said winds could get up to 35-40 knots on the water, and a gale warning will likely be posted. 

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    Sarah Blazonis

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  • The Florida Aquarium hosts Gasparilla bead collection

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Aquarium is hosting its annual bead collection, where Gasparilla beads will be recycled.


    While the beaded necklaces are very important during the parade, officials with the aquarium are making sure they end up in the right place afterwards.

    Those who drop off beads can get up to 50% off for general admission tickets.

    Once Gasparilla is over, you can drop off your beads at the aquarium until Feb. 16.

    The city of Tampa is reminding people that throwing beads and other litter in the bay is prohibited. Beads and other non-biodegradable items are incredibly harmful to the environment and they pose serious threats to marine wildlife. The city of Tampa is raising environmental awareness with their campaign, #beadfreebay.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Once a school bus, Krewe of Zingaro float now a dream and beer carrier

    Once a school bus, Krewe of Zingaro float now a dream and beer carrier

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Preparations got underway for a Krewe about to join in on the biggest pirate party in Tampa Bay.

    What You Need To Know

    • There are more than pirates in Gasparilla: there are Rough Riders, Fire Fighters and Gypsies

    • The Krewe of Zingaro celebrated their 25th anniversary

    • The Krewe is 50 to 60 gypsies strong, doing charitable work throughout the year
    • Most of the Krewe walk alongside their float — an old school bus painted purple and fitted with bathrooms and keg coolers

    The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 28.

    “We are putting some beads on the float,” said James Raulerson, a gypsy with the Krewe of Zingaro.

    The Tampa Bay native knows these plastic trinkets will be vied for like real, precious jewels.

    “Everybody wants beads,” said Raulerson, smiling. He and his Krewe are ready.

    They ride on a mostly purple float. They call her ‘Barney.’

    “It’s our gypsy wagon, an old school bus,” Raulerson said.

    Restrooms are a must for a float crawling down the 4.5 mile parade route and so is room to throw beads, though most of his crew walks.

    And of course, there’s a cabinet to store adult beverages.

    “And here,” Raulerson said, pointing to a cooler sitting just below three taps, “We have a keg, which is nice.”

    With the float loaded, Raulerson checks for safety and design.

    Raulerson noted any ripping fringe or missing lights. The float will get all its superficial design repairs once it’s off the highway and into the staging area. The Krewe will be closer to the end of the parade in spot #111.

    The floats, dignitaries, community leaders, dancers, bands and community organizations will be stretched down Bayshore Boulevard starting at Bay-to-Bay Boulevard, lined up stretching toward Gandy Boulevard.

    Raulerson devotes time and energy to the group’s charities throughout the year, and Gasparilla is a chance to not only celebrate, but also bring a lot of cheering joy for a tiny, inexpensive souvenir.

    “You’re giving beads to people, but they’re so happy. It’s great you’re bringing happiness to people. You never know,” Raulerson said about the people they’re throwing beads to. “That person might be having a horrible week at work or something, and they come out to Gasparilla and get to have fun. It might just change your whole attitude. So that’s the fun part.”

    The Krewe is about 50 to 60 gypsies strong. 

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    Virginia Johnson

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  • Gasparilla is based on disproven pirate lore: nobody cares

    Gasparilla is based on disproven pirate lore: nobody cares

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    TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the height of Gasparilla season with huge crowds screaming for beads and throws as pirates ignite cannons for massive explosion excitement.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Historical documents disprove Jose Gaspar story, capture

    •  Gulf currents and shallow depths in Tampa Bay add further doubt to massive marauders doing battle in Tampa Bay 

    •  There is documentation of Gulf Coast pirates in Gasparilla’s alleged era- but no record of him

    • Tampans have embraced Gasparilla for more than a century, whether or not the pirate Jose Gaspar ever came to town

    It’s a huge juxtaposition from the quiet of the Touchton Map Library at the Tampa Bay History Center conference room, where Director Dr. Rodney Kite-Powell quietly carries the knowledge that it’s pretty much all a story.

    The study of the records relating to Gasparilla, along with maps from 1700s Florida and beyond, point to a reality without Jose Gaspar.

    “The possibility of pirates being here is just very unlikely because there was nothing to steal,” said Kite-Powell.

    While there are records of piracy on the gulf coast of Florida, activity happened in south Florida and the east coast, not here.

    And not with Jose Gaspar.

    “I’m from here. I grew up with this. I’ve heard about the Jose Gaspar legend since I can remember,” said Kite-Powell.

    But the center’s Treasure Seeker gallery further separates fact from fiction.

    “You can learn about all the different things the real pirates in Florida were looking for and what they did,” said Kite-Powell.

    Of course, pirates were always looking for treasure on their captured ships, and the gallery has fine gold chains and gold ingots, but they took everything on board.

    “Everything is worth something at sea,” said Kite-Powell. “Whether it’s something to eat. Or it’s a map that will tell you where something better is.”

    Textiles and tobacco were valuable, and pewter plates and drink storage vessels had practical use.
    Back in the library, Kite-Powell says he’s made peace with the myth and the reality of Jose Gaspar.

    “Gasparilla’s been around for 119 years now. So it has become a celebration. So whether he existed, which he probably didn’t, has become less relevant to me over the years,” said Kite-Powell, smiling.

    If you are looking for more history on Gasparilla, you can check out the exhibition “Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition” at the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa.

    They hold more of Tampa’s Gasparilla secrets, from ball gowns to feathered hats to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla artifacts. Their exhibition is open until March 5.

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    Virginia Johnson

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