TAMPA, Fla. – Ahoy, mateys! Gasparilla Pirate Fest is set to invade Tampa this Saturday, January 25th, bringing with it a sea of pirates, revelers, and significant traffic disruptions. The City of Tampa is urging residents and visitors to plan ahead for extensive road closures and heavy traffic throughout the day.
To accommodate the parade and festivities along Bayshore Boulevard and downtown Tampa, numerous streets will be closed or restricted to local traffic only, starting as early as Friday night.
The following is a summary of key road closures:
- Bayshore Boulevard: Extensive closures will be in effect throughout the weekend, impacting the stretch between Gandy Boulevard and Platt Street.
- Downtown Tampa: Several streets in the downtown core, including Platt Street, Ashley Drive, and Franklin Street, will be closed or have limited access.
- Crosstown Expressway: The eastbound Willow Avenue exit ramp (Exit 4) will be closed.
- Kennedy Boulevard: Closures will be in effect between Florida Avenue and Plant Avenue.
- Various other streets: Numerous other streets in the vicinity of the parade route will be impacted by closures or restrictions.
READ: Tampa Traffic Alert: North 22nd Street Closure Extended Due To Water Main Repairs
The city encourages attendees to utilize alternative transportation options to avoid traffic headaches:
- Public Transportation: HART will offer bus service to the event.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Designated drop-off and pick-up zones will be available.
- Biking: Bike racks will be provided near the parade route.
- Walking: If you live within walking distance, consider walking to the event.
Planning Ahead is Key:
With thousands of people expected to attend Gasparilla, planning your transportation in advance is crucial. Allow extra time for travel and be aware of the extensive road closures. For a detailed list of all road closures and real-time traffic updates, visit the City of Tampa’s website or utilize navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable Gasparilla experience. So grab your beads, don your pirate garb, and prepare for a day of swashbuckling fun!
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.