Photos: Thousands converge on Tampa for the 2025 Gasparilla parade
By Carl Lisciandrello
January 26, 2025 at 1:52 PM EST
Last week's brutal cold gave way to a pleasant afternoon Saturday, just in time for Tampa's annual Gasparilla Parade of Pirates.
And while it started out chilly, the thousands of people who converged on Bayshore Boulevard were treated to sunny skies and warmer temperatures as the event got underway.
RELATED: At the Gasparilla pirate invasion: 'Time flies when you’re having rum'
It all started in late morning, when the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sailed into Garrison Channel to demand the keys to the city from the mayor, much the same way as it's been done for over a century.
Of course, Mayor Jane Castor turned over the keys for a day, setting the stage for the parade and celebration.
After concerns about safety following the terror attack in New Orleans, Tampa stepped up security, with thousands of officers from state, local and federal agencies contributing to enforcement.
Following the parade, police announced they made nine arrests on misdemeanor counts, along with three felony arrests and three on charges of boating while intoxicated.
Here are just a few scenes from Tampa's signature event.
Untitled
And while it started out chilly, the thousands of people who converged on Bayshore Boulevard were treated to sunny skies and warmer temperatures as the event got underway.
RELATED: At the Gasparilla pirate invasion: 'Time flies when you’re having rum'
It all started in late morning, when the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sailed into Garrison Channel to demand the keys to the city from the mayor, much the same way as it's been done for over a century.
Of course, Mayor Jane Castor turned over the keys for a day, setting the stage for the parade and celebration.
After concerns about safety following the terror attack in New Orleans, Tampa stepped up security, with thousands of officers from state, local and federal agencies contributing to enforcement.
Following the parade, police announced they made nine arrests on misdemeanor counts, along with three felony arrests and three on charges of boating while intoxicated.
Here are just a few scenes from Tampa's signature event.
Untitled