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'Pirates' Seek Key To City

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 2009

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

Pirates led Iorio to the park from Tampa City Hall, across Kennedy Boulevard. The mayor refused to hand over the city 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."

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. 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 said she enjoys the Gasparilla tradition.

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

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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