Gasparilla Invasion will proceed Saturday under a contingency plan, with the Jose Gasparilla II sailing to the Tampa Convention Center instead of its usual route.

TAMPA, Fla. — Due to the current weather conditions expected on Saturday, the Jose Gasparilla II is changing its route for the Gasparilla Invasion.

The Gasparilla Flotilla, led by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, will now sail from Port Tampa Bay directly to the Tampa Convention Center. 

Typically, it emerges at the south end of Hillsborough Bay and into Seddon Channel (between Davis Islands & Harbour Island).

 Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard. announced the change on Thursday. 

The krewe also encourages boaters planning to join the invasion to keep an eye on the weather and use sound judgment when deciding whether to participate.

Despite these adjustments, the krewe confirms that the invasion will proceed as tradition dictates, with Mayor Jane Castor advised to be ready to relinquish the key to the city at 1 p.m.

The forecast for Saturday calls for wind gusts of nearly 40 mph with temperatures in the mid to upper 50s at 11:30 a.m. Temperatures will drop and wind will pick up as the day continues. See our full 2026 Gasparilla forecast, complete with specific forecasts for the invasion and the parade.