Pirates search for Levique’s lost treasure at annual event
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Tuesday, June 10, 2008  |
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| Photo by JIM LAYFIELD |
| Sibling rivalry flares up between Hannah, 9, and Alex Piper, 6, of London, at the John Levique Pirate Days celebration June 6 at John’s Pass Village. |
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MADEIRA BEACH – Pirates swarmed ashore during this weekend’s John Levique Days at John’s Pass Village.
The event kicked off with The Pirates Ball on Friday, followed by a full-fledged invasion and sea battle at high noon on Saturday.
Crowds gathered along the boardwalk and watched as buccaneers and privateers attacked and laid siege to the village. Defenders on Jet Skis and other forms of watercraft tried to hold the invaders at bay, but soon the pirates were roaming the streets.
Event entertainment was provided by Dan Diaz, Arrr Ink, Rusty Cutlass and West Coast Mutineers. Musical performances included The Drum Stretchers, For Love or Money and Marooned.
Most of the village’s vendors participated in the event, hosting special events or taking part in the Family Treasure Hunt. There also were rum tastings, weapons demonstrations, costume contests, a fight circle and a fire show.
Historic John’s Pass is named after the legendary John Levique. According to the tale, Levique, a sea turtle farmer in the 1800s, traded his turtles for gold in New Orleans, and then buried his treasure on Pinellas beaches. Upon returning from one particular excursion, Levique discovered that The Great Gale of 1848 had drastically altered the area’s coastline, cutting a pass right through the very spot where he had hidden his riches.
The annual event celebrates the legend and sends pirates in search of Levique’s lost booty.
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Article published on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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