After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, thousands of people once again filled Bayshore Blvd in Tampa for the return of the Gasparilla Parade, but thankful, the large crowds did not result in large arrest totals.
At the end of the 2022 Gasparilla Parade, there were just three arrests: two were for trespassing after warning and one was for battery on a law enforcement officer. There were six total ejections along the parade route. No Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputies were injured during parade operations.
On the waterways, the HCSO Marine Unit, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, conducted maritime enforcement along the Hillsborough River and Seddon Channel on Saturday, along with surrounding waterways. Multiple vessel stops for safety inspections were completed. As a result, five individuals were subsequently arrested for boating under the influence.
"The greatest outcome we can expect following Gasparilla is not only a city that has once again successfully defended itself from a pirate invasion but also a packed parade that resulted in minimal arrests," said Sheriff Chad Chronister."Through our dedicated law enforcement presence, this year's parade remained a safe event for the thousands of Hillsborough County visitors and residents in attendance."