Local law enforcement warns boaters to not participate in the Gasparilla flotilla
January 28, 2022 - The U.S. Coast Guard, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police marine units are advising boaters not to take part in the flotilla behind the Jose Gasparilla pirate ship as it makes its way up the Seddon Channel to the Tampa Convention Center. The advisory was made as a cold front is projected to arrive on Saturday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory from Friday at 10 p.m. through Saturday at 7 p.m. "Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions," the department said in a press release. The weather service has issued a high surf advisory for Manatee, Sarasota and Pinellas counties until Sunday at 1 a.m.