TAMPA, Fla. — The city of Tampa is gearing up for another Gasparilla and yet again this year, officials want to keep the festivities completely safe.
After last year's festival, Tampa police reported very few incidents although more than 300,000 people were estimated to be in attendance. Police reported three people arrested or kicked out, two people reported missing, 16 traffic violations or crashes and three items lost and found.
This year, they hope to bring the numbers down to zero.
Authorities want the public to know they will be watching along with about 30 local, state and federal agencies.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw joined officials from Tampa Fire Rescue, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and other state officials in publicly announcing safety measures being taken for the festivities.
"There will be plenty of officers and first responders at events throughout the season," Bercaw said. "So if you see something, say something, and let us do something."
That was a piece of advice echoed by Special Agent Michael McCombs, a visiting official from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's investigations unit and by Mark Brutnell, special agent in charge with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
"If something does not look right, please report it," Brutnell said. "If something is off or you just feel different about something, please contact someone. There's several ways to do that. You can text, e-mail, make a phone call, or just come up and tell an officer face to face."
Another frequently stressed piece of advice: have a plan. A plan for if you and your children or other members of your group get separated or lost. A plan for getting home safe if you drink. A plan for a medical emergency.
For instance, people going to Gasparilla with a group are advised to share via text your parking spot and a designated meeting spot. If you're bringing a child, take a photo of them on the day, in the outfit they're currently wearing to show other people if the child gets lost.
Officials also remind paradegoers not to drink and drive.
As in years past, officers will be out in uniform and plain clothes. There will also be dozens of marine units out on the water, many watching for drunk boaters.
The city will also be cracking down on unpermitted parties.
“A party without a permit will be shut down for safety reasons out of compliance with fire safety and life safety,” said Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp.
The city will be teaming up with state and federal institutions to gather public safety resources.
"First responders will be working by land, air and sea to make sure that we have another safe Gasparilla season," Bercaw said.
TPD is also teaming up with Ye Mystic Krewe and Pepin Distributing for the Responsibility Matters program, which visits local high schools and universities to educate students about the importance of celebrating responsibly.
“The program has decreased underage drinking by 54%,” said Jeff Weckback with Pepin Distributing.
“We encourage our students to be responsible and make smart choices so they can enjoy the day and be back at school on time ready to learn on Monday morning,” said Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Van Ayres.
Tampa Fire Rescue Chief Barbara Tripp added that the parades will have medics on bikes, allowing them to weave easily through crowds. There will also be a medical staff and first aid tent set up by Tampa General Hospital.
The Gasparilla Children's Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20 while the pirate invasion is on Jan. 27.