By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
TAMPA — Pirates aren't the only seafarers about to descend on Tampa Bay.
Coinciding with the Children's Gasparilla Parade, sailors from around the country will make landfall Friday as part of Navy Week, an annual event aimed at showcasing the U.S. Navy in 21 different cities. This will be Tampa's fourth year participating.
For seven days, sailors will grace schools, news programs, civic associations and volunteer projects — wrapping up after marching in the Gasparilla Parade of Pirates on Jan. 29.
The point is to demonstrate that the Navy does more than "go out on a boat and just float around," said Lt. Glenn Sircy, in charge of the events in Tampa.
"It's about showcasing the capabilities of the Navy and what (citizens') tax dollars go to."
Scheduling the visit during Gasparilla was no coincidence.
Last year ...