As in year’s past, the Tampa Police Department is continuing increased security during the annual Gasparilla festivities.
Police say there are no current threats and the extra security is just a precaution.
At this year's Parade of Pirates bike officers will fan out through the neighborhoods and along the parade route. K-9's will sweep all floats and the parade route before the event begins. Officers will watch over the parade route from two SkyWatch posts that are on loan from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the Seminole Police Department.
Mobile CCTV cameras will also be deployed along the parade route. The department has also established response teams to handle any unexpected incidents. The teams will be comprised of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) officers, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and intelligence officers.
Parade goers are encouraged to download the Tampa Police Department's mobile app. If they see something suspicious, they can take a photograph and submit it directly to the parade command center through the department's mobile app. They can also use TPD's social media to relay information - @TampaPD both on Facebook and Twitter.
The festivities begin with the children's parade on January 24th.