TAMPA, Fla. — Beads are as synonymous with Gasparilla as the pirates, ships and big crowds.

SEE ALSO: Gasparilla 2022 Guide: What you need to know

But there is important information for you to know before you dispose of them.

Keep Tampa’s waterways bead-free, and remember that throwing beads or any other items in the water is prohibited according to Florida Statute 403.413. 

Beads and other non-biodegradable items are harmful to the environment and pose serious threats to marine wildlife. They take a thousand years to break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which never decompose.

Beads can be dropped off at a number of locations. You can find them here.

Tampa officials are also warning Gasparailla visitors to be aware of the locations alcohol can be consumed. There is a "wet zone" where consumption is allowed.

BELOW: Legal Alcohol Zone Map for Gasparilla