Gasparilla Sails Smoothly on Davis Islands
February 1, 2010 by Ken Elmore · Leave a Comment
Sometimes it just pays to live on Davis Islands. This Saturday was one of those days as a large island contingent made its way to the Sea Plane Basin and along Channel Drive for the annual Gasparilla Pirate Invasion.
Crowds started gathering along the Seddon Channel as early as 830AM. Some pre-planners even marked their spaces with cars and ropes the night before, angling for the best spot when the armada bearing beads came cruising in.
By 10AM Saturday morning the waterfront was filled, families set up tables for snacks, tents were pitched, bar-b-ques lit and beverages were iced down. The weather threatened but held off until after the Jose Gaspar reached the Tampa Convention Center. From there the crowds made its way to the village filling up shops and restaurants. Tom Tate, owner of Tate Brothers Pizza says it was one his busiest days of the year. Good news for independent businesses looking for a boost.
While the police and a tightened security contingent focused on Bayshore Drive in the city, DI wasn’t immune. According to the Tampa Police Calls for Service Reports for Saturday there were two reckless or intoxicated driver reports, two suspicous persons reported, three disturbances, four domestic disputes, eleven liquor violations (most likely open container) and five parking violations, mainly along Adalia Drive coming onto the island.
In the grand scheme of things people on the island just had a good time. We’ve attached a few photos from the day, if you have some you would like to share send them to info@dibuzz.com.
Next up on the island the Gasparilla Distance Classic on Sunday February 28 for the marathon and half marathon.
