TAMPA -- Police are ready to deal with the issues that come up with Tampa's signature event.
Police chief Lee Bercaw and other agencies spoke to reporters at a news conference Tuesday (16) ahead of the Children's Gasparilla Parade Presented By Chick-fil-A Saturday (20) and the grownup Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest (27). More than 30 different agencies will be assisting in patrolling the air, seas and skies.
The biggest concerns at the Pirate Fest involve driving under the influence, boating under the influence, and underage drinking. Bercaw says there's no excuse for driving, biking or boating under the influence by anyone over 21. For those under that age, Bercaw says there's "zero tolerance" for underage use of alcohol.
For the alcohol-free children's parade, Bercaw says arrests usually run in the "single digits," and issues mainly revolve around reuniting lost children and parents. The chief recommends taking a picture of your child or children, so that if you get separated, police can locate them easily. Taking a picture of your car is a good idea with either parade, in case you forget your parking spot, or your car gets towed.
Tampa's fire chief is promising a crackdown on illegal parties. Barbara Tripp says parties need a permit if alcohol is being served, if there's limited access, and if there's a charge. Cooking and tents over 900 square feet may also trigger permitting requirements. Tripp says medics will be on bikes along the parade route to provide rapid assistance by weaving through crowds.
Bercaw says police couldn't do their jobs without the public's help. "If you see something, say something, so we can do something."
Meantime, the Grand Marshal for the Pirate Fest has been announced: comedian Bert Kreischer. The event's Community Hero is Roy J. Caldwood, a 101-year-old World War Two Army veteran who served as a medic in the 92nd Infantry Division, the only Black infantry division deployed for combat in Europe, in the pre-desegregation armed forces. He earned a Bronze Star by volunteering to remain in a village under German attack to aid a sick Italian man. He later served as the New York City Department of Corrections at Rikers Island. Today he's an honorary member of the Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club of Tampa.
Find more information about Gasparilla at this link:
Photo Credit: Canva