Mayor Kidnapped, Beads Deployed, Party Started

A band of marauding pirates arrive in downtown Tampa shooting guns and causing chaos

A gunner fires the cannon from the back of the Gasparilla float warning of the impending takeover.

A rogue fleet of swashbucklers stormed their way into downtown Tampa today, kidnapping Mayor Jane Castor from City Hall and hauling her to the town square (Gaslight Park), where they demanded the Key to the City. Beads flew, “Arrrgh!” echoed through the streets, and Tampa’s security hung in the balance.

Through gold teeth and scarred faces, the pirates issued their ultimatum: hand over the keys, or they’d unleash thousands of revelers upon the city and take over the streets. Under pressure, the mayor refused—officially kicking off a week of marauders, mayhem, and merriment.

In the end, Castor spoke with the media, reminding the public of the danger that lurks when these marauders invade. She asked that people dress warmly, act civilly, and not drink and drive (or boat).

For more information about the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, including the invasion, parade, parties, and concert, go HERE

Mayor Jane Castor is kidnapped from City Hall by a band of unruly Pirates as they make their way to the town square (Gaslight Park)

The mayor taunts this group of scalawags, then refuses to turn over the key. The Pirates threatened to come back on Saturday with a band of partiers to take over the street

These pirates have their eye on the prize: the key to the city!

In her parting remarks, Mayor Jane reminded people to have fun, be safe, and dress warmly!