TAMPA, Fla. — Gasparilla festivities kick off next week. Local, state and federal law enforcement said Tuesday that safety is their top priority for the events, especially after the deadly New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans. 

What You Need To Know

  • Local, state and federal law enforcement say a comprehensive safety plan is in place for this month's Gasparilla festivities

  • Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said 20 law enforcement agencies from around Tampa Bay will work with his department to patrol the events on the road, on horseback and by water

  • An FBI official said additional resources are being committed to Gasparilla because of the deadly New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans

  • Law enforcement said they're not aware of any threat related to New Orleans attack suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar's visit to Tampa in October

"We are prepared for this event," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, who noted the city is heading into this year's Gasparilla with even more vigilance than usual.

"Our hearts go out to what happened in New Orleans," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "It's just another example of how a joyous occasion can turn into a tragedy."

According to Bercaw, 20 law enforcement agencies from around Tampa Bay will join TPD in patrolling the roads, on horseback and by water. Josh Delmanzo, special agent in charge of the joint terrorism task force for the FBI's Tampa division, said additional intelligence, technical and response resources are being committed to Gasparilla because of the Bourbon Street attack.

He said the suspect in that case, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, 42, spent three days in Tampa this fall, from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28.

Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said 20 law enforcement agencies from around Tampa Bay will work with his department to patrol the events on the road, on horseback and by water. (Spectrum News/Sarah Blazonis)

“We’re exploiting every lead to determine the reason for this visit. There’s no indication at this present time of any significant contact with persons in the area,” Delmanzo said. 

“We are not aware of any threats at this time, but we are working closely with the FBI,” said Bercaw. “We want to assure the entire Tampa community and all parade goers that we have a comprehensive and vast safety plan in place.”

The chief said training, like a mass casualty exercise held before last year’s Gasparilla, is a constant for law enforcement, as is evaluating and re-evaluating plans. He said a tabletop exercise is happening next week to do just that, including how barriers are used.

“Looking at our barrier plan is something we will be discussing in our tabletop, and we will make adjustments if we feel the need to,” Bercaw said. 

The chief stressed the public also plays a role in keeping Gasparilla safe. He reminds the community — if you see something, say something.

The Gasparilla Children’s Parade is scheduled for Jan. 18, with the pirate invasion, parade of pirates and Pirate Fest set for Jan. 25. To sign up for alerts on the latest Gasparilla information, text “Gasparilla” to 888-777.

The FBI is asking anyone who had contact with Jabbar while he was in Tampa to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. A digital media tip line has also been set up for people to share photos or videos.