Gasparilla Pirates Trade Beads For Turkeys

TAMPA, FL — On Monday, pirates were talking turkey instead of treasure as members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla distributed the Thanksgiving staple to needy families in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood.

Led by Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan, the Tampa Police escorted the pirate-laden Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla float to the Sulphur Springs Resources in Community Hope House, 8218 N. Marks St., and then helped the pirates unload their turkey treasures.

The turkeys, which were donated by the Samaha family of Hyde Park, will provide approximately 160 underprivileged residents living in Sulphur Springs with the means to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The Tampa Police, which operates the RICH House, identified 40 economically challenged households that were in dire need of food for Thanksgiving.

Tampa Police then returned to RICH House Tuesday to serve up a Thanksgiving meal.