Tampa Mayor Refuses to Surrender to Gasparilla Pirates

Annual standoff precedes historic Gasparilla Pirate Fest celebration

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Despite the loud demands and pirate escort, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor refused to hand over the key to the city to the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG) pirates during their annual pre-Gasparilla Pirate Fest standoff. The mayor stood her ground, shouting "We will never surrender!" to a cheering crowd at Lykes Gaslight Park.

Why it matters

The annual refusal of the mayor to surrender the key to the city is a long-standing tradition that kicks off the Gasparilla Pirate Fest celebrations in Tampa. While the exchange is all in good fun, it highlights the community spirit and festive nature of this iconic Tampa event.

The details

The pirates stormed city hall and brought the mayor out to Lykes Gaslight Park, where they read a proclamation praising the city and demanded a peaceful surrender of the key. However, Mayor Castor was unimpressed and refused to hand it over, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. YMKG members Bob and Dave Kelly, who have been part of the krewe for over 30 years, took the mayor's rejection in stride, joking that it was only the 121st time the mayor had not surrendered.

  • The annual standoff took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • The Gasparilla Pirate Fest parade is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Jane Castor

The mayor of Tampa who refused to surrender the key to the city to the Gasparilla pirates.

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG)

The group of pirates who annually demand the key to the city from the Tampa mayor as part of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest celebrations.

Bob Kelly

A 30-year member of the YMKG who took the mayor's refusal in stride.

Dave Kelly

Bob Kelly's brother, also a 30-year member of the YMKG.

Matt Moss

A YMKG pirate who visited Pepin Academy and AdventHealth to spread Gasparilla cheer.

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What they’re saying

“We will never surrender! Back, you gnarly pirates!”

— Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa (fox13news.com)

“It's a little disappointing that the mayor did not surrender. I mean, it's only been the 121st time they haven't surrendered, so we kind of expected it.”

— Bob Kelly, 30-year YMKG member (fox13news.com)

“Oh, they definitely help our community, I'll give them that. They may smell bad, and they may not be the brightest group. But they do great things in our community.”

— Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa (fox13news.com)

“People that may not be able to get to the parade, give them a chance to enjoy the Gasparilla spirit that we have year-round. It's one of the best parts about being a pirate.”

— Matt Moss, YMKG pirate (fox13news.com)

What’s next

The mayor will officially surrender the key to the city to the Gasparilla pirates during the Gasparilla Pirate Fest parade on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The takeaway

The annual standoff between the Tampa mayor and the Gasparilla pirates is a beloved tradition that kicks off the city's iconic Gasparilla Pirate Fest celebrations. While the exchange is playful, it highlights the community spirit and festive nature of this long-standing Tampa event.