
January in Tampa isn't just about New Year's resolutions and cold fronts, it's about pirates, music educators, and community events. The Tampa Convention Center has a lineup of events this month that run the gamut from the musical to the martial, culminating in the swashbuckling Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
One of the premier events is the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) Professional Development Conference, which kicks off today and runs through January 11. According to the City of Tampa, the event is set to attract thousands of music educators and student musicians who will participate in concerts and clinics, though the event itself is not open to the public. But, for veterans and active military personnel, the Tampa Veterans Job Fair on January 16 presents an opportunity for job seekers to connect with over 50 organizations looking to hire, and with complimentary parking available, it's made just a tad easier to navigate.
Women's leadership and empowerment are also on the agenda at the Tampa Convention Center with the Centre for Women's Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon slated for January 24. This luncheon, a fundraiser for the Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women, will feature actress Brooke Shields, and the City of Tampa indicates that funds will go toward programs that assist women in the Tampa area. Following that, the Rough Riders Pre-Gasparilla Invasion Party offers a night of revelry with live music and a bar to warm up for the big day.
And, of course, there's the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion Brunch Experience on January 25. According to the same announcement, patrons will be treated to a buffet and entertainment along the Riverwalk, providing the perfect prelude to Tampa's historic pirate-themed festivities. However, attendees should take note, tickets do not include reserved seating for the parade itself or parking – which may mean a bit of a treasure hunt for those driving in.