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- Issue #547: Coldest Gasparilla Ever? | 100+ Years of Pirate Fun | 55 Parade-Day Eats | Snow in Tampa?
Issue #547: Coldest Gasparilla Ever? | 100+ Years of Pirate Fun | 55 Parade-Day Eats | Snow in Tampa?
1/30/2026
Ted Grellner
30 Jan
Keep your finger on the Pulse!
GOOD MORNING
Enjoy this festive and unusual weekend. Dress Warm!
Dr Ted
USAF Retired
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Please post events of interest to our NT|WC Live Events Calendar; its easy to do.
— Arctic Ahoy! Gasparilla Braces for Coldest Parade in History
Local News
— Swashbucklers and Selfies: 100+ Years of Gasparilla Fun
Food
— Tampa's Tastiest Treasure Map: 55 Parade-Day Pit Stops
OMG!
— Flurries in Florida? Gulf Effect Snow a Slim Possibility in Tampa Bay
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Arctic Ahoy! Gasparilla Braces for Coldest Parade
in History
Tampa’s iconic Gasparilla celebration could be the coldest on record as a strong cold front sweeps in Saturday morning. Forecast highs are stuck in the 50s, with wind chills in the 40s along Bayshore Boulevard.
Float crews at the Cass Street “float barn” are hard at work ensuring the parade runs smoothly despite the chill. Mechanics are inspecting tires and components on the pirate-themed floats, which feature animatronics, lighting, and special effects, all sensitive to the cold.
FOX 13’s Paul Dellagatto warns that Sunday could feel even colder, with some areas failing to leave the 40s. Still, the parade will go on—rain, shine, or shiver.
Revelers should bundle up with wind-blocking jackets, layers, and hats for comfort during the all-day outdoor festivities. Parade-goers near the waterfront should expect gusty breezes and long exposure to the cold.
Despite the freeze, Tampa’s pirate spirit isn’t slowing down.
Swashbucklers and Selfies: 100+ Years
of Gasparilla Fun
Since 1904, Tampa’s Gasparilla celebration has evolved from a modest May Day festivity into a months-long spectacle of parades, pirates, and pageantry.
The iconic mock pirate invasion—led by the legendary Jose Gasparilla ship—remains the heart of the event, drawing thousands to Bayshore Boulevard. Over the decades, images have captured everything from 1920s royalty of Ye Mystic Krewe to modern mayors tossing beads. Historic highlights include the Stanley Cup’s 2017 ride on the pirate ship and the illuminated Sant’ Yago Knight Parade, one of the Southeast’s most beloved nighttime traditions.
From the Children’s Gasparilla Parade to the Distance Classic races and cultural celebrations like Fiesta Day, the festivities stretch into March, showcasing Tampa's unique blend of heritage, humor, and community pride.
Gasparilla is more than beads and boats—it’s a living timeline of Tampa Bay's colorful spirit.
Tampa's Tastiest Treasure Map: 55 Parade-Day
Pit Stops
With the 2026 Gasparilla Parade sweeping through Tampa’s Bayshore and downtown streets, hungry buccaneers won’t need to plunder far for a good meal or stiff drink.
This year’s roundup features 55 bars and restaurants near the invasion route, from brunch bashes in South Tampa like 1983’s waffle-laden pirate party to rooftop lounges and downtown dives pouring rum all day long. Hot zones include SoHo, Harbour Island, and Water Street, with options for every palate: tapas at Bulla, Neapolitan pizza at Bavaro’s, tiki drinks at LALA, and late-night cookies at Insomnia.
Need something fast? Grab a slice at NY NY Pizza, a bao from Shiso Crispy, or a protein-packed smoothie from Sweet Soul. Whether you’re a costumed reveler or a curious spectator, you’ll be well-fed along every mile of the pirate parade.
Pro tip: Many venues host ticketed parties — check ahead and bring cash.
Flurries in Florida? Gulf Effect Snow a Slim Possibility in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is bracing for one of its coldest weekends in years, with temperatures possibly dipping into the teens (wind chill) and even a slight chance of snow flurries late Saturday into early Sunday.
Forecasters say this rare setup—known as Gulf effect snow—requires cold, dry air passing over warmer Gulf waters, paired with just the right northwest winds and moisture. If conditions align, light flurries may appear from Citrus County down into Pinellas and Hillsborough, though accumulation is unlikely.
Tampa’s only measurable snowfalls occurred in 1899 and 1977. While snow chances hover around 10–20%, experts emphasize the real concern is the dangerous cold.
Expect freeze watches, gale warnings, and even event route changes for Gasparilla’s pirate flotilla.
Officials urge residents to bundle up, protect pets and plants, and prepare for a weekend that’s more frosty than festive.
Here’s an astonishing and lesser-known fact:
Florida once experienced a statewide snow event—snow flurries were reported in every single county—on January 19, 1977.
While Tampa’s dusting that day is well remembered locally, what many don’t realize is that even southernmost cities like Miami, Homestead, and West Palm Beach saw measurable snowflakes. It was the only time in recorded history that snow fell in the Miami area, causing widespread disbelief—and even some schools to close.
Locals who had never seen snow before were spotted trying to catch flakes in their hands or scraping slush from car hoods. Miami news anchors covered it like a breaking emergency, and many Floridians believed it would never happen again.
That 1977 snowfall remains one of the most extreme and geographically widespread snow events in the state's history—and is still taught in meteorology courses as a historic anomaly.
All the Best Gasparilla Events of 2026
Source: cltampa.com
Top Events in Tampa Bay for week of |
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Useful Arts & Entertainment Event Links
The Arts
- The Exhibiting Society of Artists (new)
- USF College of the Arts
- USF Steinway Piano Concert Series
Theater
- NTPAC - New Tampa Performing Arts Center
- New Tampa Players
- USF School of Theatre & Dance
- Wesley Chapel Theater Group
- Carrollwood Players Theatre
Misc
- Carrollwood Center Events
- Craft Festivals (new)
- Fall (Farmer’s) Market Guide for Tampa Bay (new)
- The Krate, WC
- The Shops at Wiregrass, WC
- visitflorida.com
For Kids
- Fun4TampaKids
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