3- to 5-foot Seas Expected; Officials Warn Boaters Not To Take Part In Gasparilla Flotilla

TAMPA, FL — An arctic cold front bringing choppy waters to Tampa Bay could freeze out a major tradition at Saturday's Gasparilla festivities.

After a collaborative meeting involving the Tampa Police Department, government entities and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the sailing route for the Gasparilla Invasion has been revised.

The Jose Gaspar pirate ship and its retinue will sail from the Port of Tampa Bay at noon up the Ybor Channel, around Harbour Island, into Seddon Channel and end its journey at the Tampa Convention Center at 1 p.m.

Due to a small craft advisory, the U.S. Coast Guard and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police marine units are advising boaters not to take part in the flotilla with the Jose Gasparilla pirate ship.

“It would be foolish,” Master Sgt. Ryan Balseiro of the sheriff's marine unit told boaters. “You’re talking 3-foot seas in the bay.”

A small craft advisory goes into effect Friday at 10 p.m. and runs through Saturday at 7 p.m. The cold front is expected to produce sustained winds of 23 mph and seas of 3 to 5 feet in the Gulf of Mexico.

See related story: Ready To Party Hearty, Mateys? Officials Prepare For Gasparilla

These conditions could be hazardous for the hundreds of small boats that traditionally join the pirate flotilla.

“When the Coast Guard puts out small craft advisories, you know you need to heed that warning,” Balseiro said.

Interim Tampa Police Ruben Delgado and Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. John Bogush hosted a news conference Friday to update boaters on the changes to the Gasparilla Invasion route and reiterate the warning from the Coast Guard regarding the small craft advisory.

"We want to continue to encourage boaters to watch the invasion from land," Delgado said."Conditions will be hazardous to small crafts. Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions. Recreational boaters who plan to participate in the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion should check www.weather.gov for updates prior to getting underway. Know your limitations. If in doubt, don't go out."

See related story: Ready To Party Hearty, Mateys? Officials Prepare For Gasparilla

The weather won't affect the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates taking place Saturday afternoon, although attendees may want to bundle up against the chilly weather.

Overnight, temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees but warm up to the mid 50s by Saturday afternoon.