We lived in Tampa for several years. Went to the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade numerous times, I ran the Gasparilla 15K several times. And I have at least one piece of art from the Gasparilla Art Festival.
But. I have never been on a boat during the mayhem. I’ve always considered it too touristy. This year we bowed to peer pressure and boarded Yacht Starship early Saturday morning with six other intrepid friends. All dressed as pirates. I was not expecting much.
BUT! IT WAS FUN!
We went to the parade and lasted about an hour. People crush. Craziness.
It was fun but I’m glad to be home.