#16 - Gasparilla Season in Tampa Bay

SEASON 2 - Ahoy, me hearties! All hand Hoy, it’s Gasparilla season in Tampa Bay. For over 100 years, legendary pirate Jose Gaspar and his unruly pirate mates have invaded Tampa Bay. Each year, the City of Tampa battles nearly 500K marauders and buccaneers who ravage their way through the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast for beads during the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. In this episode, we hear from Visit Tampa Bay’s President & CEO recapping Hillsborough County’s record-breaking 2022 year and dropping hints on what’s to come in 2023. We also chat with Frank Smith, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s (YMKG) very own legendary pirate as he talks about his experience being a part of YMGK for over 54 years and the history of the famous Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Learn more about the Gasparilla Pirate Fest: https://main.gasparillapiratefest.com/ Historic Gasparilla Photos Provided by: https://digitalcollections.hcplc.org/