THE PAST IS ALWAYS PRESENT, AND IF NO ONE CARES ENOUGH TO DIG,
THEN IT JUST STAYS BURIED.
MADAME GASPARILLA
THE PAST IS ALWAYS PRESENT, AND IF NO ONE CARES ENOUGH TO DIG,
THEN IT JUST STAYS BURIED.
MADAME GASPARILLA
About Pirate Gasparilla
Dedicated to preserving the legend of Juan Gomez and the enduring folklore of Gasparilla, our site is built by a team rooted in history, family connection, and storytelling.
Our Founders
About Pirate Gasparilla
Dedicated to preserving the legend of Juan Gomez and the enduring folklore of Gasparilla, our site is built by a team rooted in history, family connection, and storytelling.
Madame Gasparilla
Founder & CEO — passionate about preserving local lore and family tradition.
Founder & CEO — passionate about preserving local lore and family tradition.
Ray Deal
Vice President — treasure hunter and storyteller.
Vice President — treasure hunter and storyteller.
Stephanie Simms
Public Relations — connects the legend with the community.
Public Relations — connects the legend with the community.
Michael Gattuso
Recovery Specialist — field researcher and artifact liaison.
Recovery Specialist — field researcher and artifact liaison.
Lauren Hennessey
Archive Specialist — custodian of documents, photos, and source material.
Archive Specialist — custodian of documents, photos, and source material.
Cora Redman
Merchandise Coordinator — curator of branded items and historical prints.
Merchandise Coordinator — curator of branded items and historical prints.
Why We Do This
We are a group of historians, storytellers, and family descendants committed to exploring the myth and memory of Juan Gomez (“Gasparilla”). Our goal is to share what we know, preserve what we remember, and invite you into the conversation around legend, history, and cultural memory.