Editorial: ‘Imbibe’ According to Policies or Face the Consequences

Beads, pirates and parade are soon approaching.
Gasparilla, a festival commemorating the invasion of pirates in the Tampa Bay Area, will be held this Saturday.

Nathaniel St. Amour/ The Minaret

Many people are undoubtedly looking forward to drinking and hanging out with friends.
For college students, it is one large block party, but for many, it is a time to be on the lookout for delinquent behavior.

This year, the parade will be going along Bayshore Blvd. and ending up in Curtis Hixon Park, next to the Tampa Museum of Art.
University of Tampa student leaders recently worked with the Tampa Police Department to provide a one-hour seminar on staying safe during the parade.

Adults over the age of 21 will be allowed to consume alcohol in “wet zones” and in the parade route, but there will be a “zero-tolerance” policy if anyone is causing disruptive behavior.
People may think these policies are extreme, but they are set up to prevent rioting and destructive behavior.

In all honesty, Gasparilla is not an event that promotes Tampa’s image.
It is cultural in the sense that we venerate history through the recreation of pirates invading Tampa, but the fact that people get drunk and disturb community members degrades the people who live here in man people’s eyes.

If students are going to drink, they need to be cautious and aware of the environment: never take an open drink from a stranger and always stay hydrated.
It is also a good idea to go in a group.

Select a designated driver and stay together.
The worst thing for a UT student would be being caught drinking, if underage, or driving under the influence.

This not only goes on a person’s legal record, but could potentially bring other academic consequences into play.
Students should review the UT Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy for more information.

Every semester, The Minaret emphasizes the importance of starting the year off right. Gasparilla is no exception.
According to the Tampa Police Department, there were over 400 arrests during the festival last year.

This is the second year where the zero-tolerance policy will be in effect.
How will the numbers change?

Let’s make Gasparilla an unforgettable day to remember, but for the good reasons.

The Editorial Board can be reached at editor@theminaretonline.com or you may submit a Letter to the Editor form online at www.theminaretonline.com.