St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Postponed, Canceled On Both Sides Of Tampa Bay
TAMPA — Nasty weather is putting a dent in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Tampa and St. Petersburg.
The city of Tampa’s River O’ Green St. Patrick’s Day celebration has been postponed a day and the inaugural Shamrock Fest at the St. Pete Pier has been canceled. Both events were to take place Saturday.
There is an 80 percent chance of rain Saturday, said John McMichael of the National Weather Service. Add in a strong likelihood of severe thunderstorms to start the day and conditions are far from ideal to be outdoors.
People hoping to see the Hillsborough River dyed green at Curtis Hixon Park can do so Sunday, said Adam Smith, spokesperson for Mayor Jane Castor. Conditions will be much better for it: The forecast calls for clear skies and no rain Sunday, with a high temperature of 66 at mid-day.
More details about the change were expected to be released later Wednesday.
In staying true to their name, one Tampa group is scheduled to stick with Saturday for their event — rain or shine.
The Rough Riders krewe, who have been holding a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ybor City for more than 40 years, said Wednesday they still plan to through historic Ybor City with their parade of historic floats from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
