The Seminole Hard Rock 2012 Gasparilla Parade of Pirates had tens of thousands of attendees arrive for Tampa’s largest festivity on January 28^th. However, this year employed a few changes that parade veterans may not have been used to. Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was given the key to the city and presented the with Tampa Bay Rays’ own- James Shields, David Price, and Matt Joyce as the headmasters of the parade.

   Perhaps the most unexpected change were the NO-throw zones. If any individual was caught tossing beads in these posted areas they would be cited. Amongst other changes were new rules to the wet zones where open containers with alcohol were allowed. Persons not compliant with this would also be cited. The 1st offense would cost $75.00, the 2nd offense would be $150.00, the 3rd offense carried a $300 fine, and a whopping $450 for the fourth offense- On the fifth offense individuals would be arrested.

   Krewe and float attendants arrived as early as 10:00 A.M. along the Bayshore Boulevard starting point to get ready to toss beads, coins and stamp pirate ink on the bosoms of  high spirited spectators. The wet zones assisted in a surprisingly low rate of arrests for 2012.  According to Tampa Police Department, 302 people were issued citations for open container violations and there were 23 misdemeanor and 2 felony arrests.

   This year there were food vendors including Taco Bus and McDonald’s. This year’s parade had extra security of about 1500 Tampa Police and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Officers. The parade route ran from Bayshore and Bay to Bay to Cass and Ashley. It ended downtown just before Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and offered VIP seating on either side of the parade with prices averaging $33.00 -$38.00. Overall the event was successful, boasting great weather, food and people.