Jose Gasparilla Ship Prepares for 70th Gasparilla Invasion of Tampa Bay

Preparing the Jose Gasparilla for Invasion

• 🚢 The Jose Gasparilla ship is undergoing preparations for its 70th Gasparilla Invasion of Tampa Bay, a process that involves year-round work.
• ⚓ The ship, which can hold approximately 800 people, will be filled with pirates throwing beads and firing weapons during the invasion.
• 🛠️ The ship quietly sails from Beayshore Boulevard to Port Eore for a refresh before the main event.

History and Construction of the Ship

• 🏗️ The Jose Gasparilla was built in 1954 by Peter Lackman's father, George Lackman, along with uncles and grandfather, who worked in the shipyard.
• 🌊 It was transformed from a barge into a pirate ship by the Lackman family.

The Role of Tugboats and Special Commemorations

• ⚓ The ship is steered by two tugboats: Dorothy at the bow and another at the stern.
• ⏳ Tugboat Dorothy, built in 1898, is over 120 years old and this will be her final Gasparilla invasion.
• 🌟 This year is special as Conrad Lackman, at 90 years old and former skipper of the Ford tug, will be on board to commemorate Dorothy's final invasion.

The Invasion Day Spectacle

• 🎆 Before the invasion, the ship stops at the Hillsboro River for fireworks during the children's parade.
• ⚓ On the morning of the invasion, the ship ties up at Ballast Point and is joined by the mosquito fleet, comprising 1,200 to 1,400 other boats.
• 🌊 The Jose Gasparilla serves as the centerpiece of the largest boat parade in the nation, welcomed by the citizens of Tampa.
• 📺 Coverage of the children's Gasparilla parade will be broadcast on Fox 13, starting with a pre-show at 3:00 p.m.