Gasparilla Parade: Arrests, Rescues, and Revelry
The Tampa Police Department made 18 arrests during the Gasparilla festivities, including two for driving under the influence, eight for boating under the influence, and eight for other disturbances. Over 30 law enforcement agencies patrolled the area by land, sea, and air, resulting in a total of 72 law enforcement vessels and helicopters being deployed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued 84 boating warnings, 26 citations, and removed 8 impaired operators from the water, with only 1 boating accident investigation reported.