Pirates are temporarily taking over downtown Tampa to celebrate Gasparilla, an annual pirate-themed festival. Known as the city's "signature event," Gasparilla was named after famed Florida pirate José Gaspar from the 18th century, who went by Gasparilla.

Tampa’s signature pirate event got off to a chilly start, but things warmed up as the day and parties progressed.

Ahoy matey! Pirates will be pillaging and plundering their way across Tampa as the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival returns this month.

The faces of News Channel 8 had some fun on the staton float during the 2025 Gasparilla Parade of Pirates. Barron Trump playfully photobombed his sisters Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump in a behind-the-scenes video from Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 Inauguration.

Whether by land or by sea, thousands of people crowded Tampa’s waterfront along Bayshore Boulevard on Saturday for the annual Gasparilla Parade of Pirates. It started with the usual invasion at the Tampa Convention Center, where Mayor Jane Castor gave up the key to the city.

As Bitcoin Bay's Pirate float sails down the Gasparilla Parade route, it’s more than a celebration—it’s a statement. We are here to build, educate, and empower. This float represents a year of hard work, resilience, and community spirit, and it marks the beginning of our next chapter.