TAMPA, Fla. — It’s the height of Gasparilla season with huge crowds screaming for beads and throws as pirates ignite cannons for massive explosion excitement.

What You Need To Know

  •  Historical documents disprove Jose Gaspar story, capture

  •  Gulf currents and shallow depths in Tampa Bay add further doubt to massive marauders doing battle in Tampa Bay 

  •  There is documentation of Gulf Coast pirates in Gasparilla's alleged era- but no record of him

  • Tampans have embraced Gasparilla for more than a century, whether or not the pirate Jose Gaspar ever came to town

It’s a huge juxtaposition from the quiet of the Touchton Map Library at the Tampa Bay History Center conference room, where Director Dr. Rodney Kite-Powell quietly carries the knowledge that it’s pretty much all a story.

The study of the records relating to Gasparilla, along with maps from 1700s Florida and beyond, point to a reality without Jose Gaspar.

“The possibility of pirates being here is just very unlikely because there was nothing to steal,” said Kite-Powell.

While there are records of piracy on the gulf coast of Florida, activity happened in south Florida and the east coast, not here.

And not with Jose Gaspar.

“I’m from here. I grew up with this. I’ve heard about the Jose Gaspar legend since I can remember,” said Kite-Powell.

But the center’s Treasure Seeker gallery further separates fact from fiction.

“You can learn about all the different things the real pirates in Florida were looking for and what they did,” said Kite-Powell.

Of course, pirates were always looking for treasure on their captured ships, and the gallery has fine gold chains and gold ingots, but they took everything on board.

“Everything is worth something at sea,” said Kite-Powell. “Whether it’s something to eat. Or it’s a map that will tell you where something better is.”

Textiles and tobacco were valuable, and pewter plates and drink storage vessels had practical use.
Back in the library, Kite-Powell says he’s made peace with the myth and the reality of Jose Gaspar.

“Gasparilla’s been around for 119 years now. So it has become a celebration. So whether he existed, which he probably didn’t, has become less relevant to me over the years,” said Kite-Powell, smiling.

If you are looking for more history on Gasparilla, you can check out the exhibition “Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition” at the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa.

They hold more of Tampa’s Gasparilla secrets, from ball gowns to feathered hats to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla artifacts. Their exhibition is open until March 5.