By Amy Scherzer, Times Staff Writer
Friday, December 3, 2010
TAMPA — The death of executive director Jim Tarbet has left Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla mourning the loss of a friend and rallying to stage the annual $1.3 million pirate parade and street festival in less than 60 days.
For the past 10 years, the retired British naval officer who died of cardiac arrest Dec. 2 oversaw nearly every activity of the men's club celebration in the name of a mythical pirate.
The Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is slated for Jan. 29, and krewe captain Philip R. Carroll pledged to keep the event on track.
"As captain, I will step up my daily involvement and ask staff to expand their roles individually and as a team," said Carroll, president of Carroll Air Systems. "Our board of directors will also be involved during this difficult transition period.
"Our organization has been doing this for 106 years," he said, referring to the rowdy, costumed water-and-land invasion that draws upwards of 400,000 revelers to Tampa streets.
No logistical changes had been anticipated for 2011, Carroll added, noting Tarbet was instrumental in implementing last year's Gasparilla Respect and Responsibility Educational Initiative.
"Regarding responsible alcohol consumption, that theme will continue,'' he said, as event planners strive "for continuous improvement.''
From vast warehouse headquarters on Cass Street, Tarbet interacted with nearly 60 other krewes; oversaw maintenance of the Jose Gasparilla pirate ship barge and 11 floats; coordinated debutante, captain and coronation balls; and revived Gasparilla's Outbound Voyage and children's parade.
The Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza is expected to draw 75,000 people on Jan. 22.
Assistant Police Chief Marc Hamlin and Tarbet had been meeting for months.
"We start the day after the last parade, and try to do it better every year," Hamlin said. "Mr. Tarbet was quite an asset, and a lot of fun to be around besides."
Plans for Tarbet's full-time, year-round position have not been discussed.
"It's going to be difficult to replace him," Carroll said. "He will be missed very much."
Amy Scherzer can be reached at ascherzer@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3332.