Pirates preparing to invade Tampa Bay

Alessandra Young
·2 min read

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In the words of the legendary band, Europe, “it’s the final countdown” — for the biggest party in the Tampa Bay area.

Friday marks Gasparilla Eve across the City of Tampa.

The first road closure is on Bayshore Boulevard between Gandy Boulevard and Brorein Street.

Gasparilla 2024: What roads will be closed?

Those who live along Bayshore Boulevard said it’s either embrace all of it, or get out of dodge for this invasion.

“It’s sort of like a mini version of Marti Gras,” Seth Schimmel said.

Hundreds of thousands of people will be out and about with their pirate gear on.

“It’s almost like a point in the year, it’s almost like the end of the winter, beginning of spring,” Schimmel said.

Bayshore Boulevard residents said they are prepared for the floods of people.

“In terms of us getting around, it will either be by foot or by bike,” he said.

Vendors are setting up, people have their decorations out, and law enforcement is making sure their resources are ready.

“The whole day stays pretty active for us, that’s why we have different shifts of officers that come in. So, we can keep the level of service we’re providing to people to make sure everybody stays safe,” Cpl. Erica Collum said.

The Tampa Police Department has a real-time crime center that uses cameras and other investigative resources to provide officers out in the field with information, and they can see everything from a bird’s eye view.

“It helps, because we are not distracted by some of the things the officers in the field may have to deal with,” Collum said. “So, sometimes they have to meet with people and conduct interviews, sometimes they are looking for something specific, or driving a vehicle.”

Most of the calls they get are for separated families, medical calls or if someone gets lost.

Roads will continue to shut down through Saturday morning.

Officials said the most important thing people can do is to know where they are, in case help is needed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.