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Gasparilla 'Pirates' Make Annual Threat To Tampa's Mayor

News Channel 8 photo by PETER MASA

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio negotiates with pirates from Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla today about giving them the city.

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By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 3, 2009

TAMPA - Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla "pirates" disembarked from their ship/float Tuesday afternoon at downtown's Lykes Gaslight Park and demanded to speak with Mayor Pam Iorio.

"Where's the mayor? We want the mayor!" the pirates said.

Pirates led Iorio to the park from Tampa City Hall, across Kennedy Boulevard. The mayor refused to hand over the city to the pirates as a crowd of onlookers took photographs, shot video and collected beads and plastic swords from the pirates.

"I have news for you," Iorio said. "I am going to put up a fight all week long no matter how many beads you entice me with."

"I think they want me to put up a fight, and a fight you will have," the mayor said.

The pirates told Iorio the city doesn't have the fortitude to fight.

"We think the city is worn out because of the Super Bowl," said Jim Robbins, captain of Ye Mystic Krewe.

An invasion is planned for Saturday. Despite her protests to the contrary, the mayor is expected to surrender the key to the city at 1 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.

Robbins predicted great weather, and estimated a flotilla of 1,000 boats will accompany the invading Jose Gasparilla pirate ship.

"When the mayor sees that, the mayor will have no alternative," Robbins said.

Jami Laconte, who works at a downtown law firm and watched Tuesday's negotiations, said she enjoys the Gasparilla celebration and its tradition.

"I think it's pretty cool how they do all that," said Laconte, 31. "It is different. No other city has this."

Reporter José Patiño Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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