HR 9015 2004
1	House Resolution
2	A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of Tampa's
3	Gasparilla celebration.
4
5	WHEREAS, Jose Gaspar, according to legend, was a
6	swashbuckling renegade-turned-pirate who prowled the waters of
7	West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries,
8	famous for his deeds of derring-do, and
9	WHEREAS, inspired by the exploits of the mythical
10	Gasparilla, as Gaspar was reported to refer to himself, Ye
11	Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was born in 1904 and thus began an
12	annual celebration during which the City of Tampa is called upon
13	to surrender to these feisty ghosts from the past, and
14	WHEREAS, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest begins each year in
15	mid-winter when 700 unruly plunderers sail into the heart of
16	Tampa on the black-hulled, three-masted "Jose Gasparilla," the
17	world's only fully rigged pirate ship, flags flying, cannons
18	booming, and supported by an armada of pleasure craft and other
19	vessels, and
20	WHEREAS, in addition to a parade known for its myriad
21	floats from which the rowdy, colorfully garbed crewes toss beads
22	and doubloons into an eager crowd, the celebration now features
23	numerous exciting events, including a children's parade and the
24	Gasparilla Extravaganza, and has been recognized as one of the
25	most unique festivals in the nation, singled out for its
26	outstanding performance in event production, impact on the area,
27	event management, history, entertainment value, and promotional
28	and sponsorship relations, and
29	WHEREAS, chosen as one of only two events from Florida to
30	be included in the America Bus Association's prestigious listing
31	of Top 100 Events in North America and having an economic impact
32	on the area of more than $23 million annually, the fest is also
33	renowned for the civic and charitable work of Ye Mystic Krewe of
34	Gasparilla, NOW, THEREFORE,
35
36	Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
37	Florida:
38
39	That Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla is recognized for its
40	contributions to Tampa and its surrounding areas and is saluted
41	on the 100th anniversary of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
42	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be
43	presented to Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla as a tangible token
44	of the sentiments expressed herein.