It’s now official.
The theme for Gasparilla will no longer be: “Lewd and Rude Rocks.” Nor will it be: “Anarchy by the Bay” or “Under Age, Under the Influence and Above the Law.”
No, this year it will be the sobering antithesis of debauchery: “Responsibility Is The Key.” Might as well be: “Rebottle the Genie.”
Good luck.
Actually, all understandable skepticism aside, good start.
But first, of course, you must concede that a mega parade attracting 300,000-400,000 really does belong on Bayshore adjacent to residential neighborhoods, and that it must have a beer sponsor (Pepin Distributing). That, uh, said, the recent changes announced by the city and the Tampa Police Department are, well, encouraging. More police, an extended parade route ending at the new, party-friendly Curtis Hixon Park, the elimination of some waterside bleachers and more Port-o-lets.
Even more to the point, there are serious signs of an attitudinal change. “We’ve listened very carefully to what the neighborhoods have said to us,” underscored Mayor Pam Iorio. Indeed, she has gotten an earful – through her surrogates – from a number of “ground zero” residents, some of whom feel extorted, in effect, into hiring security and erecting temporary fencing. All of whom have seen their share of disgusting, even threatening, incidents.
The new reality, say City Hall and TPD officials, is “zero tolerance” for drunkenness, lewdness and related mayhem. It’s no mere catch phrase, they stress, and arrests – where warranted – will be made. That means underage drinking, bead flashing and “large (beer) vessel” transporting, as well as public urination and back-alley sex, will be targeted.
The wonder is it wasn’t before.
But that was then, and this is now. For the first time, a number of groups – including TPD – are coordinating efforts to make community presentations to students. Both high school and college. They are saying, in effect: “Enjoy yourselves. But don’t force us to arrest you, because we will.”
And, yet, there are still others who need to be part of the solution to what has for too long been Tampa’s signature drunkfest. Those hosting house parties are responsible, at minimum, for under-age imbibers. Those who don’t read — or heed — the responsibility memo are a major part of the problem.
As are parents. Where do drunken teens go at the end of the day? Who do they go home to? Who do they answer to? Safe House parental surrogates? Parents are part of the problem if they countenance a day without rules or repercussions. Especially in somebody else’s neighborhood.
And one more thing. Those extra police? If “responsibility” is really the key, post them in the alleys. And maybe ask Grand Marshall Mike Alstott to patrol one as well.
And, yes, I live near “ground zero.” In fact, I was just reminded. A doorknob flier was just affixed. “Gasparilla: Protect your property from ‘The Invasion.’ Temporary Fencing. Call early.” – Smith Fence.
Actually, we’ve “only” had to hire an off-duty cop in the past. And this year, given the official commitment to “zero tolerance,” we won’t do that. I hope that’s not being irresponsible.