Avast ye hearties! Traveling to Tampa this weekend for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Parade? This annual event was inspired by the legend of Jose Gaspar, a pirate who terrorized the waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This unique Tampa event began in 1904 in response to the popularity of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. This citywide party is now the third largest in the United States, attracting half a million attendees from around the country.
Gasparilla certainly celebrates the history of Tampa, but let’s be real. It’s also a crazy, bead-throwing festival complete with all-day drinking. This pirate version of Mardi Gras, that doesn’t always end well and could result in an arrest for any of the following criminal charges:
- Underage drinking
- Possession of drugs (cocaine, molly, THC)
- DUI (or BUI considering the Pirate Invasion)
- Operating a business without a license
And these are just a few of the criminal charges you may face if arrested at Gasparilla in Tampa.
Avoiding Gasparilla Arrest
If you’re heading to Gasparilla this weekend, be safe, be careful, and be smart! Trust us, the cops will be out and on the prowl! Lots of roads will be closed, so make sure you have a plan in place for transportation, both before and after the parade.
Do not drive if you’ve been drinking! Tampa has Uber/Lyft and even streetcars to help you get around town. Click here to view the streetcar and bus services available during the 2019 Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
Call A Local Criminal Lawyer
At Hubbs Law Firm in Miami, we know that innocent fun can sometimes turn into a very unfortunate situation. If you are visiting Tampa this weekend and get arrested for DUI, drug possession, or other criminal charges, it is imperative to contact a local Miami attorney once you are home. Going through these charges may feel overwhelming, but our local attorneys can help guide you through your legal options. We will defend your case and represent your interests. For more information, please call us at (305) 570-4802 or schedule a consultation to discuss your Gasparilla arrest with an experienced attorney.
Disclaimer:
Please note that by reading this blog you are not entering into an attorney-client relationship with Hubbs Law, P.A. This blog only provides general legal information. Every case is unique and you should request a consultation to ensure that you are getting the correct legal advice for your specific case.