Gasparilla Pirate Fest Kicks off Today

The time has come.

The Gasparilla Pirate Festival and parade kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 along Bayshore Boulevard in south Tampa, starting at Bayshore Boulevard at Bay-to-Bay Boulevard.

The free annual celebration features fireworks, floats and food.

Here are some things to keep in mind from the Gasparilla Pirate Fest's website:

• Beer and other liquor can be purchased along the parade route, which is a wet zone. Only cash is accepted, and IDs must be shown. Proceeds go to Tampa Bay charities.
• Mobile ATMs are available along the route.
• While food and drinks are on sale along the parade route, glass containers are not permitted.
• Bicycles are allowed along the route, but bikers can't ride them once inside event closure zones. Bikes must be walked along the route.
• For more information, call 813-251-8844.

If you go, upload your pics and clips here.