Next year marks the centennial celebration of the Gasparilla parade. If Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla has its way — and it almost always does — 2004 will also commemorate something else: the Krewe’s own culture of self importance. That would be underscored if YMK follows through on its mandate to ban all other krewes who deign to dress as pirates for this quintessentially pirate-themed event.
As parade founders, organizers and longtime benefactors, YMK deserves its share of civic thanks for what has become Tampa’s signature event. An appropriate response would be “You’re welcome” not “cease and desist.”