Join Dr. Carl Zielonka of the Tampa Bay History Center for an engaging exploration of the history, myths, and enduring legend of Gasparilla.

For more than a century, Gasparilla has been Tampa’s iconic pirate celebration, blending history, myth, and imagination into one of Florida’s most beloved traditions. This lecture explores the legend of José Gaspar and examines how facts, fallacies, and fantasy combined to create the enduring stories of buried treasure, pirate invasions, and the famed José Gasparilla pirate ship that continue to capture our imagination. Arrrgggh…

Presented by the Marco Island Historical Society in partnership with The Tampa Bay History Center.

About Carl

Dr. Carl L. Zielonka, DDS, is a U.S. Air Force veteran who has devoted decades to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Tampa Bay area. A graduate of Duke University and Emory Dental School, he is currently in his 18th year as a docent at the Tampa Bay History Center and serves as an active member of the History Krewe, a select group of docents who develop and present historical programs throughout the Tampa Bay community.