Gasparilla fleet route change

Due to a wind advisory, the Gasparilla Pirates’ entry route is taking a shorter route to the Tampa Convention Center, Fox 13’s Matthew McClellan has the latest.

tampa, florida – The Gasparilla Pirate Festival announced that the pirate invasion route will be changed due to the wind forecast.

What we know:

Gasparilla Pirate Fest, one of Tampa’s largest annual festivals, traditionally features a dramatic “invasion” with Jose Gasparilla II setting sail at 11:30 a.m.. Set sail from the southern end of Hillsboro Bay and head north through Seddon Strait to the Tampa Convention Center. Once ashore, Gasparilla’s Mystic Crew begins a day of pirate-themed festivities with a ceremony to claim the keys to the city, followed by the famous Pirate Parade down Bayshore Boulevard.

But with strong winds and rough seas expected, officials announced late Thursday that the launch location would be changed to Port Tampa Bay to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. The shorter route means less exposure to open water and changing conditions. Organizers made this decision in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and event partners, and the decision was disseminated on Gasparilla’s official social media channels.

read more: Will it snow in Tampa? Unusual ‘Gulf Effect’ setup could bring chaos this weekend

What they say:

On the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Facebook page, the announcement prompted a variety of reactions from users, from many acknowledging safety concerns to asking where the best place to view the new route was.

Some were a little disappointed with the route change, pointing out that a long-standing tradition would no longer be the same. On the other hand, some people are excited about dressing up as pirates and partying in the bay.

For the future:

Organizers are asking participants to arrive early, consider seeing areas such as Davis Island and Harbor Island, and plan for crowds and road closures throughout downtown. Many boaters said on Facebook that they still plan to take to the water when conditions permit, but will do so while paying close attention to weather and safety guidance.

As always, this beloved Tampa tradition is expected to be energetic and festive, but this year’s invasion may look a little different than longtime residents and visitors expect. The last time the route was changed due to rough weather was in 2022.