Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
TAMPA POLICE AND PARTNERS DISCUSS GASPARILLA SEASON PREPARATION
Following the tragedy that occurred in New Orleans on January 1, 2025, we want to reassure the Tampa Bay community and parade-goers of our ongoing safety plans ahead of Gasparilla.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., Tampa Police will be joined by our public safety and Gasparilla partners to discuss the robust safety measures in place to keep the Gasparilla and upcoming parade season safe for all.
"The Tampa Police Department has vast experience keeping the public safe during large-scale events, and that mission is only heightened after recent tragedies," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "As Gasparilla season approaches, we want to reassure the public that security remains our top priority. We will continue our close collaboration with Federal, State, and local law enforcement partners as well as our local event organizers to ensure our ongoing use of best practices and evaluate our comprehensive security plan to keep this a safe and enjoyable event for attendees."
This year's press conference will take place at the Tampa Convention Center with a view of the channel and Tampa Bay. Immediately after the press conference, members of the media will have several opportunities for b-roll, including boarding public safety boats parked outside the convention center for tours. Also available to the media for video will be motor units, bike units, K-9 and marine units who have a significant role throughout the Gasparilla event season.
GASPARILLA TIPS
• The City of Tampa website (tampa.gov/Gasparilla) has information on the parade routes, parking, wet zones, and the extra streetcar and bus services being offered by HART throughout the season.
• Using your smart phone, you can receive event updates and notices of traffic issues. Just text the word Gasparilla to 888-777. That will sign you up for updates sent directly to your phone.
Once you arrive, pick a meeting place so if you become separated, you have a place to meet.
• Text your parking location to your smartphone, with a picture of the cross street signs - as a reminder of where you parked.
• If you bring a child, take a picture of your child the day of the event on your smart phone. That way, if they get lost, you can send the up-to-date picture to law enforcement.
• HART will offer extra streetcar and bus services during the Gasparilla season.
TEAMWORK
The Tampa Police Department wishes to thank the many law enforcement agencies from around Tampa Bay that are working together to ensure that the Gasparilla season is safe and fun for everyone. Gasparilla is a huge event season that requires a true team effort.
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
• St. Petersburg Police
• Clearwater Police
• Bradenton Police
• Bureau of Alcohol, Beverages and Tobacco
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
• Citrus County Sheriff's Office
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Florida Highway Patrol
• Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
• Hillsborough County Public Schools Security Services
• Lakeland Police
• Manatee County Sheriff's Office
• New Port Richey Police
• Orange County Sheriff's Office
• Orlando Police
• Pasco County Sheriff's Office
• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
• Plant City Police
• Polk County Sheriff's Office
• Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
• Sarasota Police
• State Fire Marshal
• Tarpon Springs Police
• Temple Terrace Police
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Coast Guard
• USF Police
TAMPA POLICE AND PARTNERS DISCUSS GASPARILLA SEASON PREPARATION
Following the tragedy that occurred in New Orleans on January 1, 2025, we want to reassure the Tampa Bay community and parade-goers of our ongoing safety plans ahead of Gasparilla.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., Tampa Police will be joined by our public safety and Gasparilla partners to discuss the robust safety measures in place to keep the Gasparilla and upcoming parade season safe for all.
"The Tampa Police Department has vast experience keeping the public safe during large-scale events, and that mission is only heightened after recent tragedies," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "As Gasparilla season approaches, we want to reassure the public that security remains our top priority. We will continue our close collaboration with Federal, State, and local law enforcement partners as well as our local event organizers to ensure our ongoing use of best practices and evaluate our comprehensive security plan to keep this a safe and enjoyable event for attendees."
This year's press conference will take place at the Tampa Convention Center with a view of the channel and Tampa Bay. Immediately after the press conference, members of the media will have several opportunities for b-roll, including boarding public safety boats parked outside the convention center for tours. Also available to the media for video will be motor units, bike units, K-9 and marine units who have a significant role throughout the Gasparilla event season.
GASPARILLA TIPS
• The City of Tampa website (tampa.gov/Gasparilla) has information on the parade routes, parking, wet zones, and the extra streetcar and bus services being offered by HART throughout the season.
• Using your smart phone, you can receive event updates and notices of traffic issues. Just text the word Gasparilla to 888-777. That will sign you up for updates sent directly to your phone.
Once you arrive, pick a meeting place so if you become separated, you have a place to meet.
• Text your parking location to your smartphone, with a picture of the cross street signs - as a reminder of where you parked.
• If you bring a child, take a picture of your child the day of the event on your smart phone. That way, if they get lost, you can send the up-to-date picture to law enforcement.
• HART will offer extra streetcar and bus services during the Gasparilla season.
TEAMWORK
The Tampa Police Department wishes to thank the many law enforcement agencies from around Tampa Bay that are working together to ensure that the Gasparilla season is safe and fun for everyone. Gasparilla is a huge event season that requires a true team effort.
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
• St. Petersburg Police
• Clearwater Police
• Bradenton Police
• Bureau of Alcohol, Beverages and Tobacco
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
• Citrus County Sheriff's Office
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Florida Highway Patrol
• Hernando County Sheriff’s Office
• Hillsborough County Public Schools Security Services
• Lakeland Police
• Manatee County Sheriff's Office
• New Port Richey Police
• Orange County Sheriff's Office
• Orlando Police
• Pasco County Sheriff's Office
• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
• Plant City Police
• Polk County Sheriff's Office
• Sarasota County Sheriff's Office
• Sarasota Police
• State Fire Marshal
• Tarpon Springs Police
• Temple Terrace Police
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Coast Guard
• USF Police
