Pirate invasion to mark Hillsborough Day at Capitol

Members of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation will celebrate Hillsborough Day at the State Capitol in Tallahassee March 22.

The daylong event will bring many of the county’s most beloved attractions and traditions to the capitol for Florida lawmakers to enjoy, while showcasing all that the community has to offer.

Visitors to the State Capitol will include local city and county officials, prominent area business people and representatives from the Hillsborough County Public Schools. Several nonprofit organizations, Visit Tampa Bay, as well as leaders from popular tourist destinations are also expected.

During the morning hours, attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on committee meetings, visit with their local representatives, and if the Legislature is in session, watch the proceedings from the gallery of the House or Senate.

A special lunchtime meet and greet is scheduled for the Capitol Courtyard complex with exhibits from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and Lowry Park Zoo. Members of the nonprofit Big Cat Rescue and the Early Learning Coalition will also be in Tallahassee to discuss their missions.  Tampa native and “The Voice” contestant, Shalyah Fearing, will perform as guests enjoy 1,500 authentic Cuban sandwiches, delivered straight from Tampa.

The highlight of the afternoon is expected to be a Gasparilla-style Pirate Invasion at the State Capitol. Pirate-costumed members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla will arrive in on a parade float search of even greater bounty.

“Hillsborough County has such great resources and a lot to offer visitors statewide,” said organizer Louis Betz of Louis Betz and Associates. “This day allows us to share with the rest of Florida all the wonderful places, organizations and people that make our community so unique. It also gives local leaders and community members the chance to meet their state representatives. When lawmakers to see people from back home, it often puts a face to an issue.”

True to the city’s Latin roots, House Minority Leader Janet Cruz of Tampa will host a coffee and guava pastry reception for Hillsborough Day attendees beginning at 3 p.m. followed by a public reception at the Governor’s Club from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

After a 10 year absence, Hillsborough Day was revived in 2014 and has taken place annually. The local legislative delegation has been unified in their involvement and support of the event to highlight the rich heritage of Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough Day is open to the public and all are invited to attend.