TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa’s city leaders are preparing for its busiest season of the year.
Police Chief Lee Bercaw and other city officials outlined their preparations for the Gasparilla season Tuesday during a news conference at the Tampa Convention Center.
What You Need To Know
- Officials with Tampa Police, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue discussed Gasparilla preparations Tuesday
- Authorities described how they are working with federal, state and other local officials on how to maintain public safety during the Gasparilla season
- The Gasparilla Children’s Parade takes place Jan. 20 and the main Gasparilla invasion is on Jan. 27
Bercaw, along with Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister described how they are working with federal, state and other local officials on how to maintain public safety during the Gasparilla season.
"There will be plenty of officers and first responders at events throughout the season,” Bercaw said.”So if you see something, say something, and let us do something."
There are several Gasparilla events scheduled over the next several weeks starting with the Gasparilla Children’s Parade taking place Saturday in Tampa.
The main Gasparilla invasion and parade is taking place Jan. 27.
Thousands of residents are expected to flock along the sidewalks of Bayshore Boulevard and downtown Tampa, decked out in colorful costumes and pirate gear to pay homage to the mysterious, but legendary pirate José Gaspar.