Coast Guard To Enforce Safety Zone For Boaters During Gasparilla

TAMPA, FL — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies will be enforcing a safety zone for the Gasparilla Parade from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.

All boaters must stay 50 feet from parade vessels, stay out of restricted areas and observe all “No Wake” zones.

Additionally, jet skis and vessels without mechanical propulsion are prohibited from the parade
route. All northbound vessels in excess of 65 feet without prior mooring arrangements and not officially entered in the Gasparilla Parade must use the alternate route through Sparkman Channel.

All boaters are advised to monitor Channel 16 and contact the Coast Guard or other nearby agency partners in the event of an emergency on the water.

The Coast Guard advises the public to check for a captain's license before paying to ride on a boat.

“Charter vessels operating illegally pose a significant hazard to life, property and the environment and can face maximum civil penalties of over $50,000," said Capt. Matthew Thompson, commanding officer of Sector St. Petersburg. "The Coast Guard urges all paid passengers to verify the operator’s credentialing and ask to see the Merchant Mariner Credential. It may save your life.”

All spectators are reminded that it is against Florida law to throw any items into Tampa Bay or coastal waterways of the state- including beads thrown from boats during the parade.

Partner agencies for law enforcement include the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.