By Leah Burdick
TAMPA, Fla. — Gasparilla is a tradition in Tampa Bay celebrated on the last Saturday in January. With a big parade and about 300,000 spectators, some pirates start to behave like Jack Sparrow.
According to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), there were nine misdemeanors, three felony and three BUI arrests. BUI stands for “boating under the influence.”
The Florida Fish and WildLife Conservation Commission (FWC) said in a release they issued 46 boating warnings and 13 citations.
The FWC arrested five impaired pirates from their boats. In a release, they said there were more than 70 law enforcement boats and three helicopters in the Hillsborough River and Bay.
All missing persons were safely returned back to their crews. All items found during the event are considered non-harmful, according to the TPD.
“I want to extend my gratitude to all the Tampa Police officers and supporting agencies whose dedication helped ensure the safety of the parade for everyone involved,” said Chief Lee Bercaw in a press release.
The University of Tampa’s Campus Safety was monitoring campus for pirates due to proximity to the parade.
According to the UTampa Campus Safety crime report, there were 14 incidents that occurred Saturday, Jan. 25.
The incidents ranged from alcohol misconducts, marijuana possessions, car impounding, and other student conduct violations.
For more information on the violations, visit the Campus Safety Crime map.
Gasparilla concluded the same night, and the pirates will return next year. Arrr you ready?
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Photo courtesy of Luis Santana.