Tampa Police Safety Tips For Gasparilla Weekend
Tampa’s favorite holiday is quickly approaching! In response to the estimated 300,000 attending this year’s parade, the first responders of Tampa have been undergoing safety training. The Gasparilla parade is…
Tampa's favorite holiday is quickly approaching! In response to the estimated 300,000 attending this year's parade, the first responders of Tampa have been undergoing safety training. The Gasparilla parade is taking place on Saturday, January 27 with festivities kicking off around 9 am. The children's parade is happening on Saturday, January 20.
Tampa PD is continuously working to improve its response time for several different emergencies and practicing crowd control. The Tampa Police and the City of Tampa have shared these safety tips for your krewe to remember during Gasparilla weekend:
See Something, Say Something:
A good rule to follow for any major event. Police are asking all attendees to stay vigilant during the invasion and parade and report any suspicious activity. Tampa Police have started a tip line for anyone to report any suspicious activity during Gasparilla. TEXT: Type the keyword SAFETAMPA and your tip to number 847411 (TIP411), and you will receive a response.
Have a Meeting Place:
It can be super easy to lose your group in any event with large crowds. It's also common to have limited cell service when surrounded by thousands of people. Tampa Police recommend establishing a meeting spot ahead of time in case you are separated from your group.
Take a Photo of Your Child in Costume:
If your child gets lost, it will be more helpful for Police to find them if you take a picture of them on the day of the parade. That way, they will know which little pirate to look out for. If you lose your child, alert the closest officer immediately. They will be stationed along the entire route.
Get Gasparilla Text Alerts:
For more important Gasparilla event updates, safety tips, and traffic alerts, text GASPARILLA to 888-777 to have information sent directly to your phone.
Related: Tampa stores where you can find the perfect pirate costume for Gasparilla
Here Are The Tampa Bars Participating In Gasparilla Bar Crawl
Arrghhh mateys! The holidays aren't over yet here in Tampa. It's a local tradition that New Year's resolutions don't start in Tampa until after Gasparilla. So feel free to drink like a pirate and munch on some awesome brunch specials included in Downtown Crawlers' 7th annual Gasparilla bar crawl. There are at least 15 bars participating in the crawl you will have free cover and more perks!
The invasion and parade is happening on Saturday, January 27th in Tampa. The invasion is where the pirate ship Jose Gasparilla, emerges at the south end of Hillsborough Bay followed by hundreds of boats. That happens from 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Then it is time for the Parade of Pirates, which happens from 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. The parade begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Blvd. It continues along Bayshore Blvd. to Brorein St., turns east on Brorein St., then north on Ashley Dr. The parade ends at Cass St. & Ashley Dr. The parade is free to attend, but you can purchase reserved bleacher seating. Tickets cost $70-$85 depending on which seating area you pick.
There are a few different ticket levels for the Gasparilla Bar Crawl. You can purchase a crawl-only ticket ($29), brunch crawl ticket ($69), or VIP crawl with brunch ($89). Here's what's included with your ticket:
Here are some of the Tampa bars participating in the Gasparilla Bar Crawl:
The Patio (SoHo)
Check in begins at The Patio (421 S MacDill Ave, Tampa) at 9am! You MUST check in before visiting other bars on the list.
Eden Downtown
Eden is one of the hottest clubs in Downtown Tampa.
District Tavern
District Tavern is not a far walk from Sparkman Wharf, so if you plan on heading there on Saturday make sure to stop here!
Yeomans Cask & Lion
We know a British pub probably isn't your first choice when it comes to partying like a pirate. Maybe you want to sit back and play a few rounds of golf simulator after the parade!
Haiku
Make a stop at Tampa's best sushi restaurant for a quick snack and Gasparilla-themed cocktail!
Big Storm Brewing Co.
Nothing says Gasparilla like some Tampa-made rum!
Harpoon Harry's
Save some room for fresh seafood at Harpoon Harry's! This is great walking distance from the parade route.
Ducky's Sports Bar
Ducky's is a bit far from the parade route, so you will definitely need to Uber or drive there (with your DD). This might be the best place to save for last!
Casa De MonteCristo Cigar Bar
Nothing more Tampa than a pirate smoking a cigar!
Gaspar’s Grotto
Tampa's only pirate-themed bar is a MUST for Gasparilla! This place will be packed so make sure it's an early stop on your list
ShowBar (Ybor)
Tampa's only dueling piano bar is going to be packed on Gaspy!
Southern Belle
Can't miss a crowd full of pirates line dancing!
