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Tampa Police Safety Tips For Gasparilla Weekend

Author Jen Glorioso

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.

Click here for more safety tips and parade maps from the City of Tampa.

Related: Tampa stores where you can find the perfect pirate costume for Gasparilla

[Source: News Channel 8]

Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.

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:

  • Free welcome shot at 5 locations of your choice (max. 1 per location)
  • Buffet Style Brunch from 9am-12pm (VIP/Brunch tickets only)
  • Bottomless Mimosas from 9am – 12pm (VIP/Brunch tickets only)
  • Guaranteed entry into the Big Wave Treasure Cove on Bayshore during the parade (VIP tickets only)
  • Access to 15+ bars across Downtown Tampa, South Tampa and Ybor
  • Free cover to all participating venues (where applicable)
  • Instagram Costume Contest (Win free tickets!)
  • Exclusive Drink Specials
  • Professional Photographer

Click here for more information on tickets for the 7th annual Bar Crawl!

Here are some of the Tampa bars participating in the Gasparilla Bar Crawl:

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