They took the box to a few antique stores. Gilchrist intended to turn the area into a community. Stingy Jack and the History of the Jack-o-Lantern, The Varangians: Viking Conquerors turned Byzantium Honor Guard, The Secret Necropolis of Ancient Varna and the First Goldsmiths. Rogers is said to have hidden huge amounts of gold and silver bars worth a fortune today. All of it is built around the story of Gaspar. This happened in the year 1782. All rights reserved. One of his ships has been discovered in the waters off of North Carolina and definitely proven to belong to Blackbeard. Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Leaving Spain at an early age, he sailed to the West Coast of Florida. Leaving soon? Despite his brutal reputation, Gasparilla was supposed to have a soft side as well. Treasure hunter Erin Melcher drives his boat as Michael Gattuso navigates directions to a wetland believed to have lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia on Sunday, January 13, 2019. ", Pirate treasure in grandpa's attic includes human hand. He weighed in on the treasure map as well and believes it was a blueprint for the area during the 1920s and 1930s, but nothing more. Dropa Stones: Are They 12,000 Year Old Discs? He stated that it was buried beside 2 wind damaged trees and a large rock (one would think that with treasure this valuable one would choose landmarks a little more cautiously, but I guess trees and a rock is all we have to go on here). Josh joins marine archaeologists and treasure hunters working to crack the mysteries of the pirate's life so they can find the riches he left behind. It seems the mythical pirate was a tall tale concocted by a man named Juan Gmez. Some say it reveals compass bearings around Lettuce Lake. If there is one thing pirates are known for it is treasure. When you go in the attic you expect to find something old. While doing some spring cleaning a few weeks ago, Maria Lopez made an unusual discovery in her grandfathers attic. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You are using an out of date browser. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "Either my great-grandfather made the best, most elaborate pirate hoax ever and never shared it with anyone or he really did find some treasure on the Hillsborough River. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A fisherman at Stafford Point in Connecticut is rumored to have spotted some pirates burying a heavy looking chest at Stratford Point in Connecticut during the late 1600s. Treasure Unknown is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (386) 439-3061. Jose Gaspar has come in handy for parades and celebrations. The American Government then decided to get into the act and sent a Navy squadron to end his career. His theft discovered, he deserted his wife. I love searching for all types of "treasures" with my family. Gaspar did not exist, but never mind that. Jose Gaspar commandeered the 'Floridablanca', the ship upon which he was serving, to commence his life of piracy. His work appears here every third Monday; the views expressed. Jos Gaspar, also known by his nickname Gasparilla , is an apocryphal Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico from his base in southwest Florida during Florida's second Spanish period . To learn more, visit our. http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/f2/ferret-iii.htm, Florida's Pirate Jose Gaspar and his Treasure Story. His ship was scuttled in the battle sending the valuables to the bottom of the ocean. 1 Review #9 of 11 Shopping in Flagler Beach. According to archives, the island community was created by Albert W. Gilchrist, Floridas 20th governor. Deleware holds one more possibility around Woodland Beach. Gasparilla, if he existed, wrapped himself in chain and jumped overboard with both hands still attached. Gaspar apparently did not share this attraction and instead gave his attention to other women of the court. (5) The first written version of Gasparilla appeared in an advertising brochure of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Co. printed in 1900. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. To add more to the story, the treasure map contained the name of the infamous mythical pirate Gaspar. He successfully captured a few ships during his years long voyage. What he thought was a British cargo ship turned out to be the USS Enterprise, on a mission to end piracy. Evidently, though, the treasure is not. Inside was a tattered map of the Hillsborough River, century-old coins, a family picture and a hand wearing a ring. Sarasota's Michael Gattuso and members of his . The pirate, whose full name is Jos Gaspar, is a legend from the 18th and 19th century. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Starting in 1911, though, the event's founders, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, switched . Mysterious box containing a map, coins and a mummified hand found in Tampa Bay attic. The men were executed but Gomez was to be the final survivor of this piratical outfit. According to Floridian folklore, Gaspar was a fearsome pirate that operated out of a secret base in southwest Florida in the late 18th and early 19th . The most famous Florida pirate was Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. jose gaspar, coins, and treasuremap found. Hitting the scene in the early 1800s Billy Bowlegs Rogers was a pirate to be reckoned with. Afterwards, he sailed his ship, the Floridablanca, to the Gulf Coast and set up a pirate base on what is now known as Gasparilla Island in Southwest Florida. At The Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. visitors and locals can find treasures of all kinds. It's located in Florida, United States.A real, albeit, small treasure chest on a real small island. However, even from the first we run into different versions of the story. His men, who numbered in the hundreds, also buried their smaller caches on these islands. Rumors take on a life of their own and ultimately cause hurt or expense. This state also holds another possible location on the banks of Blackbird Creek. Plundering the high seas and ports alike resulted in vast riches for some of these ruthless criminals. This treasure as well as the tunnels remain lost. (2) Most of the islands around Charlotte Harbor were named by the Cuban Spanish fishermen that lived there since the 1600's. I was totally blown away," said Lopez. The Story of Jose Gaspar Jos Gaspar allegedly lived between 1756 and 1821 and was based on southwest Florida, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. By Geoff Dobson. Rumor has it, that the stolen goods are still hidden somewhere on the island. Just pick any island and start digging, because Gasparillas loot is buried on many of them, including Cayo Pelau. "So, it's interesting how Tampa, in a sense, stole; we were pirates ourselves. St. Vincent Island off the coast of Florida is said to have been an island frequented by early pirates. ", The story of Gaspar begins in 1782; the brochure states, "he stood high in the graces of the Spanish Court, so high indeed that he niched the crown jewels. From a four-mile long parade of pirates and period memorabilia on display, to specialty packages and a waterfront half . The team searched the waters at low tide for a canon buried in the sand. Lafitte was wanted by the US government for they deemed his acts as piracy, not privateering. Still, it was not very soon after that, that Tampa captured that myth," Kite-Powell said. We're back to the hotel brochure. "Possibly keep it forever. Jose Lopez's sister, Maria, was cleaning out the attic of a home owned by her great-grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez, in Tampa's historic Ybor City area, when she stumbled upon the box, WFLA-TV reports. Strap yourself in for a wild ride and buy this international bestselling book today! Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Company are said to have distributed the brochures. During this time a woman of the royal family, rumored to be the kings daughter-in-law sought the attention of this young naval officer. Jose Gaspar (aka: Gasparilla) was a quasi-mythical Spanish pirate who roamed the waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. JavaScript is disabled. He finally returned with his wife to find all but a handful of his crew had died. Jos Gaspar, also known by his nickname Gasparilla (supposedly lived c. 1756 - 1821), is an apocryphal Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico from his base in southwest Florida during Florida's second Spanish period (1783 to 1821). After sustaining heavy damage, the famed Spanish pirate tied himself to his anchor and leaped to his watery death apparently not wanting to be killed at the hands of the enemy. According to the sources we studied, Gaspar was probably born in Spain in 1756. The poem, maps, comments from other searchers, and other guides to finding the treasure are online and easy to find. Gaspar is presented as dignified, noble in heart and rich and titled in some versions. He then tied himself to an anchor and jumped in the ocean disappearing for all time. Treasure hunter and researcher Lauren Gattuso sits on the boat as it heads toward an area where her and a small group of treasure hunters believe lies lost treasure. One of the most popular pirates in Florida folklore is Jose' Gaspar. Jos Gaspar. Also check state and local regulations before you begin any activities such as digging or metal detecting. His theft discovered, he deserted his wife and children, gathered together a nice lot of cut-throats, stole the prize vessel of the Spanish Fleet, and escaped. Here are some Metal Detectors for you to start your quest. He told of the looting of ships, the massacre of innocents, and last of all, when his life had nearly passed, he told the story of 'The Little Spanish Princess,' whose name he did not remember. The eerie discovery of a mysterious wooden box bearing a disembodied mummified hand with a ring on the wedding ring finger, an old map of the Tampa area and several coins has stirred up memories of pirate Jose Gaspar. Answer: True This is an area where the stories of Gaspar are for once consistent. In the following years, he accumulated a board estimated at $30,000,000. While Gaspar chained the anchor of his ship to his waist and dove into the water to avoid giving the enemy the satisfaction of killing him, Gmez lived to tell the tale. There are numerous tales and stories of pirate treasures hidden thought the world, some of which are not attributed to any particular pirate. Not much is known of his early life before his pirating career. The experts dont believe that their find is a real treasure map or that the legend of Gaspar is anything more than children story or a folk tale that adds to the culture of the area. He renamed this ship Queen Anns Revenger which gave him one of the largest fleets on the East coast of America and Caribbean. He enjoyed telling stories about his adventures on the high seas and a large amount of Gasparillas treasure that was never discovered. He has taken his place in local folklore and culture and has an annual festival in his honor. And indeed there are serious problems with the stories of Gasparilla. However, perhaps the most famous story of Gaspar concerns his death. What date is Gasparilla 2021? If marriage was selected, there would be a ceremony, and the marriage promise would be strictly enforced. The rest of the treasure remains hidden, waiting to be found. Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. Subsequent retellings of the Gaspar tale are based on this imaginative account, including the unintentional inclusion of Jos Gaspar in a 1923 book on genuine pirates, which has created ongoing debate regarding his historical veracity. Gasparilla fell in love with Jeffries while on land, but she informed him that she had fallen in love with one of his crew, Batista Fuentes, a handsome and well-educated man from a famous family. He wished to return to America to retrieve this treasure after Kidds execution but he never made it back. So, we stole Jose Gaspar. He supposedly buried large amounts of treasures on the islands around the bay. He has written for 8 years in a variety of fields including history, health and politics. When it comes to the legend of Jose Gaspar, Diff told us to "be cautious that the information you present as there are lots of versions of this story and everyone's version is 'true.' The latter two locations being the most logical. So, a real figure or a tall tale told by Floridians? Legends tell how he amassed a huge fortune, and hid an enormous treasure before dying a hero facing the might of the US Navy. Find the treasure, don't report it, melt it down or sell it on the black market using a different name. The race of the old buccaneer was nearly run, but all through that night, he told a story of piracy that could scarce be believed, yet it was a dying man that was clearing his soul before his Maker. For one, there is no evidence of his pirate empire. Email him at elcompa29@gmail.com. Most stories agree he was an aristocratic Spanish Navy Officer who later. The final and perhaps most intriguing possibility is around the Spanish Fort San Carlos in Pensacola. Later that fall, he captured a large French slave ship bound for some sugar plantations. He told where the body would be found and a sketch was prepared under his direction, and in recent years in the exact location as described, the skeleton of a beheaded woman was found.". The Legend of Jose Gaspar. "Maria came across it and once she told me she found a hand in a box. These men witnessed the battle and when the pirate ship began to sink, they loaded this vast treasure onto small boats and escaped unnoticed to a place called Spanish Homestead around the Peace River. Some more information on the cruise of the USS, I did not find a reference to Gaspar in Gardner Allen's, I was always Told Jose Gaspar, was also known as Juan Gomez. They took the box to a few antique stores around Tampa and the contents were described as "gruesome and authentic.". From seashells to lost treasure, this shop has it all. The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure is a gripping, heart-pounding action adventure that's akin to a modern-day Indiana Jones story. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Gaspar, Sachs, S, 2022. Treasure hunter Erin Melcher. Blackbeard captured an estimated 40 different ships and vessels in a little less than 2 years off the east coast of America and across the Caribbean. Gasparilla had fallen into a trap! My grandfather had a book on all these when I was younger. This activity is a great way to enjoy some peaceful quite time outdoors or can be a unique experience for 8 Super Fun Family Treasure Hunt Ideas: With Real Treasure. A unique legend of pirate treasure in Indiana is intriguing. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. 2119 N Oceanshore Blvd. We" more 2. However, he spotted a British merchant ship and could not resist one final prize. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso digs a hole in front of treasure hunters Stacey Hunt and Erin Melcher in an area where metal detectors notify of gold on a wetland believed to have lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Keep me posted! Supposedly a group of pirates traveled from the gulf inland via river to a spot in Indiana where they hid a bunch of gold coins east of the town of Freedom. He was most likely a sailor for the English Navy who became unemployed and turned to a life of piracy. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co | Flagler Beach, FL 32136. P.S. Gasparilla had decided to retire following the sale of Florida to the United States, and was dividing his treasure (valued at six times the purchase price of the entire state of Florida) between his crew. It may not display this or other websites correctly. A couple of his rancher buddies found him and buried him. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso paddles a boat toward the dock where part of his crew Stacey Hunt, Erin Melcher and Lauren Gattuso wait for him near Nav-A-Gators Bar and Grill. He spoke to local TV news network WFLA about the discovery, and the story kept getting stranger. His ship soon followed him to the watery depths. Definitely try, Find our recommended Caribbean hotels, restaurants, charters, & tours. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". How did the legend of Gaspar begin? The theme and focal point of Gasparilla is a friendly "invasion" by mythical pirate Jos Gaspar and his crew, who are portrayed by members of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla (YMKG), an organization created for this purpose in 1904. He found a hillside where he buried 2 pirate chests filled with valuable metals and jewels. Lots of shells and jewelry and other gifts. We also participate in programs from eBay, CJ, Bluehost, Clickbank, ShareASale, and other sites. So that's why we believe that it was Juan Gomez. Magnet fishing is a hobby that is quickly increasing in popularity with good reason. "We go after Juan Gomez because everything, all the treasures and everything we've come through, is tied to him. "But, what we believe is that Juan Gomez had ties to him. His treasure might have been on the ship with him during this battle. Many believe it is Edward Teach, but some claim it is Edward Thatch. Lesser and Greater Antilles / Windward and Leeward Islands What is What? Though he is a popular figure in Florida folklore, no evidence of his existence appears in writing before the early 20th century. When he was wrongfully arrested, he hijacked a ship and fled, promising to seek revenge on his homeland. Thread starter seeker41; Start date Apr 29, 2015 Apr 29, 2015 In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, no pirate was more feared in the southern United States than Jose Gaspar. Treasure hunter Todd Stager holds a machete on a wetland where him and a small group of treasure hunters believe lies lost treasure on the Peace River in Arcadia. The Gasparilla Inn was a hotel on the island. It's light on history and heavy on action, suspense, and intrigue. Before we get to the treasure hunt, let's touch on the historical background of Jose Gaspar and how a now infamous fictitious pirate became a Tampa legend. Seeing the writing on the wall, he decided to scuttle his own ship and hide with his crew in the forrest. A team of treasure hunters could be on the verge of unearthing the "world's largest treasure hoard," said to be worth over $20 billion. Gasparilla seized her ship, and the hostages were brought to his hideout on Gasparilla Island. Supposedly this fort had hidden tunnels leading under the fort. Some of the add-ons on this site are powered by, Jose Gaspar is not the only mythical pirate character that has. New details have emerged about the San Jose, a Spanish galleon sunk by British ships 300 years ago. Here is what we have been able to piece together about this controversial pirate. Box allegedly containing Gaspars hand and related items Photo Credit. Years ago I hunted the fabled Jose Gaspar treasure pirate who, as the story goes, was a pirate on the gulf coast and when attacked by a US Navy vessel, wrapped the anchor chain around him and jumped in while his crew escaped up Peace River with treasure to a property owner named Lady Boggess near an area called Lettuce Lake. The ship contained $1,000,000 in assorted treasure, and should be there today. He's rumored to have had a secret base in Charlotte Harbor and would sail back and forth to Spain as well as roam around the Gulf of Mexico until his death in 1821, at the hands of the U.S. Navy. The Choctawatchee Bay is an area of a lot of speculation of the location of some of Bowlegs hidden treasure. Read another story from us:Norways Saint Olaf Uncovered: Archaeologists Believe They have Discovered the Shrine of the Lost Viking King. Texas is also a logical location for this pirate to bury treasure. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Canceled2021 Gasparilla Pirate Festival / Date (3) The Spanish kept meticulous records and there is no mention of Gasparilla in the archives. What we do know is that he is considered a hero to some and a villain to others. . In his early pirate career, he teamed up with a few other pirates and eventually took over a ship named The Revenge. Most, if not all, historians agree the pirate named Jose Gaspar never existed. Pirate Photo byScott UmstattdonUnsplash, Lafitte Photo By Anonymous Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas, Public Domain, Skully Photo byLuke SouthernonUnsplash. It does not store any personal data. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This is believed to be part of the bribe money given to the owner. Billy left the vast majority of his crew behind and sailed north to gather supplies to salvage his ship. He would then sell these items to local customers in east Texas. This Plantation is said to be roughly 5 miles West of the town of Iowa. If you choose to embark on a hunt for any treasure do so at your own risk. The rest of the treasure remains hidden, waiting to be found. In this time Spain controlled a huge swathe of the Americas and Gaspar grew rich. TAMPA, Fla. - Docked in downtown Tampa, the Jose Gasparilla II is one of the most iconic parts of Gasparilla and a year-round reminder of Tampa's biggest party and quirkiest tradition. The parade that follows is one of the largest in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Tampa Bay. Once he was a few hundred meters away, the British flag came down and the American flag rose up the mast. Upon hearing this news, he unloaded his spoils and set sail for America (where he was later arrested and sent back to England). Marias brother Mike believes the couple in the photo may be their great grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez. They then buried the chests in numerous places along the river and its tributaries and swamps. The legend of Gaspar was first recorded in promotional materials for this Boca Grande Hotel. 1. Who has not heard the rumor which has been going on in St. Augustine that Six Flags is coming to St. Johns County and will be constructed off of State Road 206? He confirmed that indeed the Lopezes have found a real human hand, but as for Gasparilla, that was a myth. And she actually had maps, and she had stories that were passed down to the family about these treasures. Similar Names. " Mar 2021 We really enjoyed shopping here! Treasure hunter Stacey Hunt holds an old nail found under the ground on a wetland believed to have lost treasure. When it comes to spring cleaning, its always nice to have a spare hand to help. It was a simple wooden box, but inside were fascinating (and macabre) clues to a family mystery. Photos show a centuries-old shipwreck found off Colombia's coast carrying lost treasure worth billions of dollars, including gold coins and emeralds. Maybe you can find one and claim the fame and wealth that will ultimilty accompany your successful efforts. Some say that as this disguised ship was sailing by, the aging pirate and his crew were in the process of dividing up the spoils as an act of retirement. 3. Millions of dollars have been found literally lying in front of people's feet, the world's beaches. Chasing Treasure: The myth of Gasparilla and the real-life man Juan Gomez. There are numerous legends and tales of buried treasure on this island. The Search for Florida's Lost Pirate: With Josh Gates, Shamus Warren, Rodney Kite-Powell, Michael Gattuso. The treasure: Slave-turned-pirate Henri Caesar stole a ship in Haiti to seek his fortune on the Spanish Main and Florida waters. Tampans have embraced Gasparilla for more than a century, whether or not the pirate Jose Gaspar ever came to town It's a huge juxtaposition from the quiet of the Touchton Map Library at the. USEPPA ISLAND, Fla. Most, if not all, historians agree the pirate named Jose Gaspar never existed. Finding a real human hand is probably not what the Lopezes had in mind, but thats exactly what this family from Florida found in their grandparents attic. Buumi . Lafayette Street, which is now Kennedy Boulevard is also labeled on the map. There have been many stories told of treasure Captain Kidd buried back in America. The Search For The Real Captain Morgan. Or show us love by sharing articles and leaving great comments. | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | DMCA Notice, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The legend states that Gaspar terrorized the western coastal waters of Florida in the late 18th to early 19th century. Lacking experience in seamanship, he and his crew of escaped slaves limited their raids to smaller ships and coastal villages but managed to amass a large amount of treasure, which was hidden in several caches on the . "I'm considering it," he said with a big smile. According to historians, it was a real man named Juan "Panther John" Gomez from Gasparilla Island, or as he was known locally, John, or Panther Key John. Not being able to pass up this giant score, he pursed the ship that was flying a British flag. Source: Theartofphoto / Adobe Stock. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. No contemporaneous mention of his existence or achievements has ever been found in Spanish or American ship logs, court documents, newspapers, or other archives, and no tangible items associated with Gaspar have been unearthed in the area where he is said to have operated. Gasparilla not only granted Lopez permission but also bestowed his blessing on his long-time friend, providing a ship and several men to accompany him back to Spain. On one occasion, his right-hand man Lopez had become tired of the pirate life and desired to return to Spain to see his love, Sanibel, after 13 long years. Save. New Castle Island in Delaware is said to house treasure hidden by pirates from Madagascar in 1699. Michael Gattuso lends a hand to his wife Lauren as they dock on a wetland on the Peace River in Arcadia. . Sign up for our WTFF Newsletter to get weird Florida news delivered straight to your email: WTFF News: Because regular news is depressing. The story was included in a brochure in 1900 for a hotel on Gasparilla Island, where the pirate supposedly stored his vast treasures in a hidden den that had never been found. This allegedly infuriated the young lady who devised a plan to essentially frame Gaspar for stealing some jewels. The Story of Gasparilla by ABC Action News on Scribd. This characterization continues through the stories of Gasparilla as a pirate. I love this place built around 1640 . There is another treasure said to be buried on Kelly Island in Delaware by James Gillian, a member of Kidds crew. Named for legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the 18th and early 19th centuries, Tampa Bay's destination-wide annual Gasparilla celebration kicks off each January with a full schedule of exciting pirate-themed events. This story seems to border on the outer limits, but a local historian doesnt believe that the hand belongs to the famed pirate. Canny readers will already recognize a certain romantic streak in these stories. They will be focused on the Florida coastline, right in my back yard. The choice of the navy career wasn't courage and thirst for adventure on the part of Jose but an expediency of the moment. The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure is a gripping, heart-pounding action adventure that's akin to a modern-day Indiana Jones story. During his 38 year career as a pirate, Gaspar attacked over four hundred ships in the Gulf waters of Florida, including supposedly the vessel carrying $11.75 million in gold bullion that the United States had paid Napoleon for the Louisiana Purchase. You'll need a boat or kayak for this cache. There are a few theories as to the location of a hidden treasure by Lafitte in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. "But if you're gonna make up the myth, you know, go big, and so why not make him, you know, all pirates rolled into one and, you know, the baddest of them all," Rodney Kite-Powell, a historian at the Tampa Bay History Center and Director of the Touchstone Map Library said. Santa Rosa Island has been sort of a local hotspot for finding bags of gold and silver coins. link to A Beginners Guide to Magnet Fishing: 15 Sure Fire Tips. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Okay, that was. Louisiana makes sense because during most of his time here, he was considered a fugitive by the US. On the Hawaiian island of Oahu there is said to be six chests buried along a stone wall somewhere around Kaena Point. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Galleon of Gold. Over and out from somewhere south, RumShopRyan. However, if they do, they are still up for grabs. Lets do this. $ 6 reviews. "Maybe my great-grandparents were pirates," Mike Lopez said. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Lopez wasn't a fan of pirates when he was growing up. Decipher the code, and you might find some of Gaspars lost treasure but as fast as Florida changes, dont be surprised if you find a new shopping mall sitting square on top of it. As the story goes, the pirate Jose Gaspar was hunting for the USS Enterprise in 1821; onboard was Juan Gmez, the man who lived to tell the tale. This does not stop the legend of Gasparilla from living on in the Florida folklore; the story of his life is even retold in a hotel brochure at the site where supposedly his treasure was buried, The Huffington Post reported.