USF students share concerns about attending Gasparilla

Some students said they will not attend this year’s Gasparilla celebrations due to safety concerns. SPECIAL TO THE ORACLE/CITY OF TAMPA

Gasparilla, also known as Tampa’s longstanding pirate-themed festival, is set to take place on Saturday and will attract thousands of paradegoers. 

Held since 1904 and hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the annual event has been a tradition for many.

However, this year, some USF students jumped ship out of the festivities, citing safety concerns.

Laneisha Green, a senior mass communications major, had plans to attend for the first time this year but decided against it due to the New Year’s Day New Orleans attack.

“They say not to live in fear, but I just think that it’s putting myself in too much harm,” Green said. “I just feel it’s the best option to not partake in it and do something else that doesn’t involve me being cautious about my surroundings.”

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Jonee’ Lewis, a Tampa Police Department spokesperson, said the City of Tampa is taking safety measures seriously.

Patrols will be heavily staffed in areas populated by students and hundreds of officers will be in the streets in uniform or regular clothes, Lewis said. Lewis said the DUI squad will work along the parade route.

The man who authorities say is behind the New Orleans attack also visited Tampa twice last year, which caused concern for Skylar Mickey, a senior mass communications major. However, the FBI found no evidence that the visit to Tampa was related.

“I have seen rumors all over the internet,” Mickey said. 

One of Mickey’s concerns was not being able to remove herself from a situation in a crowded environment where people are drinking.

For Saturday’s celebrations, attendees can drink alcohol in approved zones, such as the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and along Bayshore Boulevard. You can find a map here.

“One of the worst things you could do is get too drunk in front of people you don’t know,” Mickey said. “You are stuck in a large crowd.” 

Mickey also has a concern about getting to Tampa and back home safely.

“Everyone will be calling an Uber at the same time,” Mickey said.

Related: Gasparilla 2024 guide: Parking, safety and more – The Oracle

Parking is limited but available in certain garages and lots in downtown Tampa. Garages have special event parking rates and business lots offer parking passes.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) will offer free shuttles and TECO Line Streetcar services, transporting paradegoers between Ybor City and downtown Tampa.

The TECO Line Streetcar will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and the HART bus shuttle service will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Students have access to these services, intended to create a safe experience, according to the TPD. 

While some might be skipping the celebration on Saturday, other students are still on board. David Cook, a junior finance major and Tampa native, said he will attend despite others’ safety concerns because it is a tradition for him and his friends.

“I think it should be safer now than any other year,” Cook said. “They already have a lot of police and security, and since they are already on watch for something, it will be a lot safer.”

Michael Lavelle, a University Police spokesperson, said it is best for students to avoid alcohol and “prioritize safety.”

Lavelle said UP is collaborating with TPD by sending officers to patrol. UP also has plans to deploy a marine unit to operate on the water, he said.

Other resources provided by UP will be bike barricades, a mobile command unit, a vehicle equipped for emergency responses and water-filled barricades.

Lavelle said it is important to count on the buddy system, which means sticking together with friends and being aware.

“The USFPD is there to offer our services and support,” Lavelle said.

Lewis said the TPD prioritizes safety and encourages students to “keep an eye” on their surroundings and report suspicious activity.

“We encourage all paradegoers, if you see something, say something,” Lewis said.

Lavelle said if you have a safety concern, you can find an officer, call or text 911, call the non-emergency line at 813-231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip by texting “SAFETAMPA” and your tip to 847-411.

To receive Gasparilla alerts, tips and updates, text GASPARILLA to 888-777.

Correction: An earlier version of this story quoted a student who inaccurately said bus times were not marked. The city of Tampa has published a list of bus and streetcar times on its website. The schedule cab be found here.