Security Volunteer for Gasparilla Parade

Thank you for volunteering for KOB Safety / Security for the 2023 Gasparilla Day Parade.

If you are unable to volunteer for any reason, please let us know by contacting John H 813-495-6415 or Matt T @ 727-459-7824.

Volunteering for KOB Security is a chance to meet krewe members, the parade environment, our charities, and to get to know our organization and the krewe world.  Volunteering is also a stepping stone toward membership.  KOB volunteer opportunities allow potential members to receive points. The more points you receive, the greater your potential of qualifying to apply for the upcoming krewe year in June, (plus other requirements like an active member sponsoring you).

Below is the detailed information you will need for volunteering and to navigate one of the biggest parades in the US.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Meeting Info:

1/26 - 6PM-8PM *Recommended Wristband pickup and briefing at Stepps Float Yard (5116 Shadowlawn Ave. Tampa, FL 33610)

*Entry to staging can be difficult without a wrist band.  Bands are also available at the float in staging.  Other arrangements can be made by contacting Matt @ (727) 459-7824

1/28 - 12PM Safety and security required meeting at Float, #65, in staging area.

1/28 - 1:45PM Volunteers in position for parade start.

• City Ordinance: min of 6 safety monitors vest and 1 Safety Officer. KOB requirement is 17 for this parade.

• Wristbands must be worn by all parade participants including security.
  

• Safety Volunteers can wear jeans/ or shorts and KOB security shirt. NO KILTS ALLOWED FOR SAFETY/SECURITY VOLUNTEERS.  
  

• Comfortable walking shoes, NO Sandals!
  

• All Safety / Security volunteers must check-in immediately arriving at the float with Parade Coordinator to receive name tag and vest.  No later than  NOON. We will need two volunteers for earlier.

Parking Info:  Below are the recommendations for parking.  Public and street parking is available for a nominal fee at pay stations or through the parkmobile app.  717 Parking and other private lots are also available.  Travel to staging is available through various krewe buses, members, and uber among others.  Please reach out to a krewe member or your safety team John H and Matt T for additional recommendations or for information on the pre-party at Cityside.

3703 Henderson Blvd. Tampa, FL 33609

Park in downtown Tampa: Poe and Fort Brooke are the largest. Check the Gasparilla website for more details.

 CLICK HERE

Float Storage Location

5116 Shadowlawn Ave. Tampa, FL 33610

Staging Location on Bayshore Blvd

Parade Plan and Rules

Please take a couple of minutes to review the parade plan and rules.  There are some important updates this year.

• Head of Safety / Security will be wearing a Lime Green Vest or shirt.
  

• Do not allow krewe members give you directions.  Report only to Safety/ Security Officers, Parade Advisers, President, and President Elect.  Any conflicts that occur do not get involved and report to Safety/Security Officers immediately.

• ZERO TOLERANCE: SAFETY/SECURITY VOLUNTEERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CONSUME ANY ALCOHOL OF ANY KIND BEFORE OR DURING THE PARADE.  ANY SAFETY/SECURITY MEMBERS SEEN DRINKING ANY ALCOHOL BEFORE OR DURING THE PARADE WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!!!

• Safety/ Security does not leave their post until dismissed and/or all members are off the float in the disbanding area.   

• Zero Tolerance of handing anything over to another member or security over the side of the float. Members want something they can go to the back and walk on the float to grab what they need. This is a Safety precaution.  
  

• NO ONE is to bend down and pick up beads. This is a safety to themselves and the Krewe.

• Make sure there is 2-3 feet buffer from the float and no members get closer to the float during the parade. This is a MUST for safety to enforce.

• Per Tampa PD...See Something, Say Something!