Pirates are looking to take over the City of Tampa, but Mayor Jane Castor refused to give up the key to the city.
Tuesday’s events, moved inside the Tampa Convention Center because of weather conditions, are ahead of the Gasparilla Parade this weekend.
The yearly tradition started in 1904 on horseback, then switched to the water in 1911.
On Tuesday, Ye Mystic Krewe and Capt. Peter Lackman tried to negotiate with Castor for control of the city.
Castor, citing the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the 2020 Super Bowl champion Tampa Buccaneers, said “Champa Bay” won’t be taken over so easily.
“We are Champa Bay, there is no doubt about that. So how about we wait to see what kind of parade you guys put on. If it’s a championship style parade, maybe we’ll consider it,” she said.
“Mayor, you have chosen poorly,” was the response from the crew.
On Saturday, the Jose Gasparilla will set sail at the south end of Hillsborough Bay.
