For 141 revelers, the annual Gasparilla celebration in Tampa turned into a nightmare. Of the 141 arrests, 57 people were cited for possession under the age of 21, 4 boating under the influence. There were also 2 felony arrests and another 73 people were charged with misdemeanor crimes.
Tampa authorities estimated the Gasparilla event drew a crowd of 350,000. The 141 who were charged with crimes either spent some time in the HIllsborough County Jail or will have to present themselves in court to face criminal charges.
What started out as a day of fun and festivity for these 141 people ended in potentially life and career altering problems. Depending on the seriousness of the criminal offense, some of those arrested on Saturday will lose jobs, relationships, and will now be faced with mentioning the arrest every time they apply for an apartment or a new job. This isn't the way to kick off the new year.
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