TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Tampa for Gasparilla, the area’s largest event every year. New security concerns are surfacing in light of the recent attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

“You’re just worried about everyone’s safety. There are so many moving parts to Gasparilla,” Former Tampa police Chief Brian Dugan said.

He explains, the upcoming pirate parade presents unique security challenges.

“We take a look at the invasion where you have pirates shooting off guns and you are standing there watching this floatilla come in and there’s all kinds of gunfire,” Dugan said. “The reality of it is, it could be a bad guy doing something. How long would that be going on before you realized you had a problem?”

In November 2023, law enforcement from around the area gathered at the Tampa Convention Center for a mass casualty drill.

According to the former police chief, this is a large part of recognizing and handling emerging threats. He said, “There’s just a lot of dynamics going on. A few weeks ago, our country was focused on drones, now, we are back to vehicles being used as weapons.

Tuesday, Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and area leaders will gather at the convention center to discuss Gasparilla safety ahead of the upcoming event. They’ll brief the community Tuesday at 4 p.m.

City leaders have the following tips for those attending Gasparilla events:

• The City of Tampa website (tampa.gov/Gasparilla) has information on the parade routes, parking, wet zones, and the extra streetcar and bus services being offered by HART throughout the season.
• Using your smart phones, you can receive event updates and notices of traffic issues. Just text the word ‘Gasparilla’ to 888-777. That will sign you up for updates sent directly to your phone.
• Once you arrive, pick a meeting place so if you become separated, you have a place to meet.
• Text your parking location to your smartphone, with a picture of the cross street signs – as a reminder of where you parked.
• If you bring a child, take a picture of your child the day of the event on your smart phone. That way, if they get lost, you can send the up-to-date picture to law enforcement.
• HART will offer extra streetcar and bus services during the Gasparilla season.