The fleet of floats is parked outside the Riders’ Tampa headquarters. | Photo by TBAYtoday.

For Tampa’s adults, Gasparilla weekend is the biggest show of the year. At least that’s how it feels to Bob Moeller.

Moeller is the 45th president of the Rough Riders, a Tampa nonprofit that honors the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders (The late US President once called Port Tampa home). Their uniforms of khakis, dark blue button-downs (Florida is too hot for wool), and Stetson hats are truly synonymous with Gasparilla.

Founded in 1978, the organization has more than 550 members and is easily spotted in the Bayshore parade with its train and coal car and fleet of Teddy Roosevelt-emblazoned floats. This is Moeller’s 13th parade with the Riders, and this year he will ride at the top of the coal car (the president’s seat).

Maintaining the floats is a year-round job, he says. The club has a float ops team dedicated to prepping floats for the 14-some parades the Riders travel to— from Fantasy Fest in Key West to both Gasparilla parades just down the street. The new crop learns the ropes in the five parades before Gaspy — like walking with the beads and wearing the uniform.

“If you just take somebody off the street and ask them to do that, they’ll be tripping down the street, hurt themselves and not have any idea what to do,” Moeller explained.

So what goes into planning for the biggest weekend of the year? We got a behind-the-scenes look at how the Rough Riders prep for Gaspy weekend.

THE FINAL DAYS BEFORE THE PARADE

EVENTS

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Today, Jan. 27

Coffee with Castor | Friday, Jan. 27 | 4-5 p.m. | 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa | Free | Share a coffee and ideas with Tampa’s mayor.
Gasparilla: A Tampa Tradition | Thursday, Jan. 26-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $7-$12 | Check out photographs from 1904 to the present, vintage pirate tokens, and Gasparilla gowns.
Bahama Shores Mid-Century Porch Party | Friday, Jan. 27 | 5-8 p.m. | 6311 Bahama Shores Dr., St. Petersburg | $15 | Peek into a mid-century home designed by the same St. Pete architect that designed the Mirror Lake Library.
Hamlet | Thursday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | The Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Pl., Tampa | $49-$65 | Lose yourself in one the Bard’s legendary tales.
Home Again | Friday, Jan. 27-Wednesday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | $10-$12 | The documentary transports the audience to Carole King’s 1973 concert on Central Park’s great lawn.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Junior League of Tampa Gasparilla Invasion Party | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 9 a.m. | The Junior League of Tampa Headquarters, 87 Columbia Dr., Tampa | $125 | Head over to the Davis Islands headquarters for breakfast, lunch, an open bar, and invasion viewing.
Gasparilla Bar Crawl and Brunch | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Park and Rec, 290 S. Meridian Ave., Tampa | $29-$89 | Enjoy five free shots, all the brunch classics, and plenty of pirate garb.
Pinellas TacoFest | Saturday, Jan. 28-Sunday, Jan. 29 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | England Brothers Bandshell Park, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park | Free | Enjoy food trucks, a hot pepper-eating competition, a market, and more.
Gasparilla Reggae Rum Fest | Saturday, Jan. 28 | 10 p.m. | Jerk Hut, 1241 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | $20 | Dance all night (until 3 a.m.) to Caribbean jam, and don a costume for the sexiest pirate contest.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

66º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain

Sunrise + Sunset

Rise: 7:19 a.m.
Set: 6:06 p.m.

Tides
Old Tampa Bay

High: 7:06 a.m. + 7:13 p.m.
Low: 1:03 a.m. + 12:51 p.m.

Clearwater Beach

High: 3:15 a.m. + 3:36 p.m.
Low: 9:15 a.m. + 10:34 p.m.

Outdoors

Good news, TBAY outdoorspeople. The cold weather seems to have staved off Red Tide for the time being. Researchers found no trace of the harmful organism at Pinellas’ beaches this week. 🌊 (WUSF News)

Transit

Biking over the CASS Street Bridge just got a lot safer. This week, the City of Tampa unveiled a new bike lane on the road, which is frequently used by University of Tampa students and other downtown pedestrians. The project took just two weeks + is part of the city’s new Green Spine Cycle Track. 🚴 (Tampa Bay Business Journal)

Education

Tampa Preparatory Academy just received a massive donation from former USF president Judy Genshaft. The dollar amount was not released, but the school says the check was its largest contribution ever. The funds will go toward a three-story, $20 million building. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office just honored USF for their part in the development of 3D-printed nasal swabs that were crucial during pandemic shortages. The project was competed in conjunction with Northwell Health, Tampa General Hospital, and Formlabs.

Opening

St. Pete said goodbye to the Body Electric Athletic + Anytime Fitness this year. Now, a new gym is comin’ to town. The former Anytime Fitness team is opening the St. Pete Strength Center in the Grand Central District (1936 1st Ave. S.) this spring. 🏋️ (I Love the Burg)

Closing

Main Course has served its last course — in South Tampa. But don’t worry, you’ll hopefully soon be able to dine on Chef Ashley Suttle’s seafood pasta, wings, and waffles at a new Riverview location. Follow the eatery’s Instagram page for more updates. 🧇 (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)

Plan Ahead

Now’s your chance to become one of the legendary Weeki Wachee mermaids. The state park is holding auditions this Saturday, Jan. 28, from 12-2 p.m. for the aquatic performer roles. Applicants should be strong swimmers + will make $15 an hour. 🧜‍♀️ (WUSF News)
Ready the pups. Tampa’s Barking Lot (615 Channelside Dr.) open-air dog park opens Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. Invite all of your furry friends’ pals for live music, doggy treats, and lots of tail waggin’. 🐕 (That’s So Tampa)

Shop

You know we love Publix GreenWise Market, and one of the best perks they offer (besides delicious organic food) is the Rewards program — check out all the benefits shoppers can enjoy on their website.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Traffic

What we’re buying for our cars: Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device. 🚦*

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Events

Ready for this weekend’s Bayshore romp?

City Editor Bailey’s vantage point of 2022’s parade + street party. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Hi all. 👋 City editor Bailey here.

Last year was my first Gasparilla (*gasps*), so I wanted to offer a few tips from a pirate-in-training for making the most of Tampa’s biggest party.

Stop by hazel + dot, Don Me Now, or Kittenish for last-minute touches to amp up your outfit. Not sure what to wear? Red, black and white hues are a sure bet. Then, add beads or pile on sequins to your liking. Pro tip: just wait until you get to the parade and catch your own bling. Check out our guide on where to get decor.
Look up road closures before tomorrow morning. Plus, arrange for someone to pick you up after the parade. Ubers will likely be more expensive than usual, and you’ll probably be a bit too tired to walk home at that point. (We know this from experience.)
Text GASPARILLA to 888-777 for City of Tampa updates on the day’s events. So far this week, we’ve received messages about the schedule, drinking legally, and bead etiquette.
Make sure to hydrate before, during, and after the day-long party. Consider tucking some electrolyte packets (like Liquid IV or Gatorade) in your corset; they’ll help you avoid a hangover and keep that energy up.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bailey.

Editor’s pick: I’ve long been interested in “Longest Table” dinners — meals held around the country where attendees can bring food, drinks, tableware, and must bring conversation. There’s one this Sunday in Crescent Lake. Head to the neighborhood’s website for more info.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Get inspo for a cozy trip to NC, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Brad Haft, Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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