FWC Expected to Be Tougher On BUI During Gasparilla
Of course, the one thing that makes you a pirate would also get you in some serious trouble. What kind of pirate doesn’t drink some rum while conquering the seas? The ones at Gasparilla. Reports show FWC is expected to be tougher on BUIs during Gasparilla. They really want everyone to dock safely back where they left port form.
The best thing you can do is keep it under control, they will be checking things other than alcohol. Be sure to take the right amount of life jackets out there as well. Don’t let a good time be the start of a bad weekend. If you’re stopped and suspected of BUI, you may have to do a field sobriety test. This includes horizontal gaze nystagmus, finger-to-nose, palm pat, and hand coordination.
From the start of the parade till the end they will be out in full force.
Tampa Stores Where You Can Find The Perfect Pirate Costume For Gasparilla
Arrgghhh matey’s! Gasparilla is right around the corner and before you know it, you’ll be scrambling to make the perfect pirate costume. We’re here to make your search easy by listing the best 10 stores in Tampa where you can find the perfect Gasparilla gear! The invasion of pirates will take place on January 27. Here’s more info on this year’s parade.
Whether you’re looking for some authentic pirate costumes or just need some accessories, head to these stores for all your Gaspy needs! 10 Tampa Bay (WTSP) made a great list with some good starter places. But if you don’t want to rely on Amazon or Etsy to get your stuff on time, there are plenty of local places to try! It’s still too early to tell what the weather will be like on the day of the Children’s and adult parades. It’s normally around the mid-60s to high 70s, so you may need to dress warm!
History of the Gasparilla Parade
Tampa has been celebrating Gasparilla since 1904. Each year, a merry band of pirates invades the city, with a parade down Tampa’s famous Bayshore Blvd. What originally started as a spring festival for the “May Day” celebration. Tampa Tribune Society Editor Mary Louise Dodge was helping plan the multiple-day event when George Hardee suggested including the legend of Gasparilla. Then the Tampa Tribune began publishing letters from the Ye Mystic Krewe, detailing the invasion. Read more of the history here.
The legend of Gasparilla
Gasparilla is inspired by true events. Jose Gaspar, or Jose Gasparilla was a famous Spanish pirate who earned a fortune by capturing ships and treasure. In 1821 the US Navy launched a disguised attack on Jose’s ship. Admitting defeat, he tied himself to an anchor and jumped into the ocean, never seen again.
[Source: 10 Tampa Bay]
Here’s our list of 10 stores in Tampa where you can find the perfect pirate costume:
Jeff Zito or just "Zito" as he is known to his friends, was born in Summit, NJ. Zito is the afternoon personality and program director of 987 the Shark. He has been with Beasley Media Group since 1999. Zito aspired to be a professional golfer and attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI majoring in PGM (pro golf management). Yes, that is a real major! After college, Zito was an assistant golf professional at the Meadows Country Club in Sarasota. Zito is an avid Bucs fan who likes to paddle board and can sometimes be spotted around the Bay area drinking a margarita. You can read his content about Tampa Bay sports, lifestyle, and celebrities’ first jobs.
