Bayshore readies for pirate invasion

TAMPA - From her front step, Joan King has a view of Bayshore Boulevard that can't be beat.

But along with it comes some anxiety about the Gasparilla Day Parade.

"Well, we're right on the water and anything can happen," explains King.

During Saturday's Gasparilla Parade, King will host nearly 300 people at her home. She and her house, which boasts some mean looking pirate flags, are prepared. While her lawn will no doubt be invaded, King will also be in the parade.

She's part of the Bonnie-Reade Krewe. The group's banner is proudly displayed on the front of her house, named for two real women who dressed as men and sailed as pirates in The Caribbean.

"It's like being a rock star for a day," King said.

All along the parade route, preparations are underway.

"I suspect it's going to be a record amount this time and I'm prepared for it too," says kettle corn vendor Johnny White.

White popped more than 550 pounds of corn during the kids parade. He thinks the shift towards good weather will bring out even more this weekend.

"It's going to be like everyone's cooped up in their house for two or three days, the first good weather is tomorrow, I think everybody's going to be out here," adds White.

It's already begun. Just a block from the parade route Rick Janson is bringing his plants back outside.

"Spring is in the air. I just saw some birds flying around and butterflies flying around. So, it's kind of like everything is happening all at once to celebrate Gasparilla," Janson said.

Hundreds of thousands are expected to invade Bayshore for The Gasparilla Day Parade Saturday. After a few days of freezing temperatures it seems Tampa is ready to thaw out.

Joan King has her own way of assuring her party won't fall victim to bad weather.

"A few days before, a week before Gasparilla, I do my little sun dance or at least dry weather dance. And really thank goodness!"