About the Captain of the Social Pirate
I’m Michelle L. Anderson, Captain of the Social Pirate. I moved to Tampa Bay in 2015 after what I call my “pirate life implosion.” I grew up in the D.C. area, and at the age of 36, I quit my job and moved to the Florida Keys. My pirate journey landed me in St. Petersburg, FL ten years later without a krewe!
I was attracted to Tampa Bay not only for the weather and the beaches, but the plethora of things to do in the area. I wanted to make new friends and have a rich social life and a sense of community in my new City.
Set sail on new journeys!
Starting a new life and making friends in a new town isn’t always easy. It does sometimes require us to do uncomfortable things and put ourselves out there. If you find yourself thinking you would like to make more friends and elevate your social life, perhaps you will find some ideas here. Joining clubs, Facebook groups that have events and Meetups are ways to make connections. St. Petersburg and Tampa have unique voluntary neighborhood associations that offer ways to connect with neighbors.
I have found that part of curating a lifestyle that I love includes taking the role of planning or hosting events that I want to experience. I love themed parties, costumes and being festive for holidays. A few years ago, I took my love of festival parades to a new level by joining a Krewe. I feel my journey into the festival parade world is just starting as there is so much to explore!
Where are we sailing to?
The inspiration to start The Social Pirate came from finding a lack of awareness or information on these topics. I was looking for a unique St. Patrick’s Day costume, and could mostly only find green t-shirts with a shamrock. Yet I’d been to parades and seen elaborate costumes. Repeatedly, I’d have conversations with people that had no knowledge of Krewes or how they may be able to join one. I took a fast ferry boat from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas in 3 hours. Every person I told did not know this existed! Even amongst fellow St. Pete residents, many don’t know that they live in a neighborhood that has “porch parties” held by their neighbors.
The Social Pirate website only began in 2024. Where the journey will go remains to be seen!
Michelle L. Anderson is a REALTOR in St. Petersburg, President of the Central Oak Park Neighborhood Association and member of the Krewe of the Conquistadors of Tampa Bay.
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The Social Pirate
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