TAMPA, Fla (WFLA) – Local leaders are encouraging people to watch the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion from land this year, as the National Weather Service has issued a Small Craft Advisory for Saturday.
The advisory states boaters can expect northwest winds 20 kt (23 mph) to 25 kt (28 mph) with gusts up to 30 kt (34 mph) and seas of 6 to 9 feet from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The U.S. Coast Guard said a small craft is generally described as being less than 33 feet in length.
The NWS said strong winds can cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.
The Tampa Police Department said inexperienced mariners, especially those who plan to operate smaller vessels, should avoid boating in hazardous conditions.
“If you are in a small boat or inexperienced we do not want you out on the water tomorrow. There is plenty of land to watch it, the invasion will still happen. We prefer you to watch it on land,” said Interim Chief Ruben Delgado, Tampa Police Department.
- 100-year-old chosen as Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic grand marshal“It’s kind of exciting because you’re part of something big,” said Betty. ” Many people come from all over to do that race. It’s not just a local thing,” she continued.
- A Runner’s Life: Years after mid-race proposal, running becomes family affair for couple“It was so hot that day. I didn’t even notice the signs. To be honest, I was hoping they had some water because I was looking for any excuse to stop,” Laura said.
- Gasparilla beads recycling locations in TampaPirates slinging beads into crowds of paradegoers is a Gasparilla tradition, and the City of Tampa wants to keep those beads out of the bay.
- Thousands line Bayshore Boulevard for Gasparilla paradeDespite chilly weather, Gasparilla went off without a hitch Saturday.
- Tampa Bay Lightning sports new jersey design for Gasparilla game dayNotice anything different during Saturday night’s Tampa Bay Lightning game? In celebration of the 2022 Gasparilla parade, the Lightning dawned a new outfit for their match-up against the Vegas Golden Nights.
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announced Friday afternoon that the Jose Gasparilla ship, led by Captain Peter Lackman, will begin sailing at noon Saturday from Port Tampa Bay.
The Jose Gasparilla will sail up the Ybor Channel, around Harbour Island, and into the Seddon Channel. They’ve set their sights on the Tampa Convention Center, where they’ve commanded Mayor Jane Castor to surrender the key at 1 p.m.
The weather was already believed to be an issue for one of the city’s largest annual events. The latest MAX DEFENDER 8 FORECAST predicted temperatures to be in the upper 40s at the warmest point of the day on Saturday.
