The other remaining black from 1991 is Fred Reddy, a retired surgeon who is executive vice president of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. Ye Mystic Krewe members have included New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, crowned king in 1996, and the late Hugh Culverhouse, former owner ofthe Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The roster through the ages also shares influentialnames with those of many city streets - Ashley, Lykes, Gunby, Swann, Frankland, Lowry, Clewis, Taliaferro and Culbreath. This fraternity for grown-ups remains synonymous with the Tampa Bay area's diverse collection of movers and shakers, including Tampa Mayor Dick Greco. At 760 members strong, Ye Mystic Krewe remains the biggest and costliest krewe.
Membership is divided into three categories - regular, special associate and bachelor.
But the festival of today has contributing sponsors. This year's main benefactors are Southwest Airlines, the city of Tampa, Coca- Cola, The Tampa Tribune and WFLA, Channel 8. Other member expenses include costumes, tuxedos and other costs associated with social events such as debutante and captain's balls. None has steep membership costs like Ye Mystic Krewe's. But still, everyone pays to party.