After the Invasion
Finding Tampa is not a fan of large crowds. Especially the rowdy, bead-flinging variety. So I was happy to stroll along Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa on this beautiful Sunday morning, the day after Gasparilla. Bayshore Boulevard connects downtown with southernmost Tampa and reportedly has the world’s longest continuous sidewalk at about 4.5 miles. On a typical day, Bayshore is a great place to walk, run, or bicycle. As you can see in the photo above, the views of Tampa Bay are outstanding.
Of course, what with this being Florida, you never know when a gang of pirates will show up.
- One of many pirate flags hanging from residences along Bayshore Blvd.
Every year, Bayshore is the primary site of the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. The event is named after Jose Gaspar, a Spanish pirate reported to have sailed the waters off Florida’s Gulf coast during the late 1700′s and early 1800′s. Faux pirates stage a mock attack by sailing up Tampa Bay. (When Gasparilla was first held in 1904, the “invasion” was staged on horseback.) A parade then moves up Bayshore Boulevard into downtown, where festivities continue into the night.
The Gasparilla parade was yesterday (Saturday). Bayshore is walking distance from Finding Tampa’s apartment but, as mentioned earlier, I preferred to investigate the parade route this morning, after the crowds had moved on. In general, streets and sidewalks were tidier than I expected. Teardown of booths and bleachers was well under way.
I’m pleased to report Bayshore and its views remain.
These are fantastic shots you have. The Gasparilla Parade is always a good event to catch. I had an excellent time the last time I was there.
February 1, 2011 at 11:55 am
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!
February 1, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Your pictures are so gorgeous! My favorite is the one of the pelican. Have you ever thought about selling some of the prints? I think they are beautiful and I bet people would buy them
February 1, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Thank you, Beth! The pelican shot was a spontaneous shot and I’m very happy with the way it turned out. I haven’t really tried selling prints, maybe some day I’ll get up the nerve.
February 1, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I’m hoping one day to get to Gasparilla. Not a good year to get out though.
February 2, 2011 at 11:26 pm
Pingback: The Remains of the Day Before « Finding Tampa
Pingback: Downtown Mural « Finding Tampa