1) Get There Early- With the NHL All Star game being this weekend as well, there is going to be an even higher number of people in the area for one event or the other, perhaps both. It will be difficult to find a good parking spot.
2) Avoid Shots- If you are choosing to drink alcohol, and many of you will be, chances are that you will already be having a drink in your hand already, so enjoy the buzz that gives you. You don't want to be that guy or girl that is passed out in one of the yards on Bayshore. You will become a meme.
3) Designate A Driver- If you can't find a friend willing to step up to the plate and be your designated driver, utilize a ride share service like Uber or Lyft. You can even make reservation for a driver ahead of time so you're not intoxicated while trying to locate a ride. A heads up: Ride Share Services are probably going to be more expensive than usual.
4) Eat A Solid Meal Ahead Of Time- If you are going to be drinking, you will get hungry. To avoid being in desperation mode for a funnel cake and having to battle a crowd and wait in a line to get one, just eat something before you get there so the food can soak up the alcohol ahead of time
5) Be Patient/Understanding- You may not get that drunk, but others definitely will. If someone bumps into you...LET IT GO...there is no use getting into an altercation that could get the cops involved because that's exactly what they're looking for.
6) They're Just Beads, Bro- If you see the most amazing set of beads you've ever seen flying in the air, and they are no where near you, DO NOT go running after them and tackle people in your way just to get them. People will look at you strange and possibly want to give you a taste of your own medicine
7) Pace Yourself- Gasparilla is a long day of festivities. Do not drink too much at any one time. Avoid chugging, you have the entire day to enjoy whatever you want to drink.