HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – “It’s a sweet time of year,” said Commissioner Stacy White who excitedly recognized this signature event, Florida’s Strawberry Festival.
Today, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved the proclamation led by Commissioner White marking March 4-14, 2021 as the official Strawberry Festival Week.
This year’s theme is “All Aboard,” signaling a warm welcome for all to visit.
According to the festival’s Chairman W.D, “Dub” McGinnes, and President Paul Davis, the festival’s compliance committee has implemented a strong Covid policy so that all may feel comfortable, safe and welcome to enjoy this award-winning event. The committee emphasized the “All Aboard” theme with having a safe environment at the forefront. All standard protocols are in place as well as a physician and other critical checks.
This area is the strawberry capital of the world with more than 11,000 acres of strawberries planted in the area annually.
Hillsborough county produces about 15 percent of the nation’s strawberries. Since 1930, the festival has united the community by bringing people together to honor farmers and celebrate the bountiful strawberry harvest, which has an annual economic impact of more than $800 million.
The Florida Strawberry Festival has been named the number one fair or festival in Florida for three years in a row and one of the top 35 events and all of North America.
This year’s court includes: Queen McKenna Jordan, First Maid Avery Jordan, and court members KellieAnne Kirkland, Bryanne Murphy, and Kate Turner. Together the court, countless volunteers, and civic groups are looking forward to a wonderful turn-out in support of the youth and community involvement.
Other items included in today’s BOCC meeting include proclaiming March 1-5th as Newspapers In Education week, hearing public requests to address Florida’s fines and fees structure, and construction labor force and apprenticeship topics.
Upcoming items include a report to bring back the cybersecurity assessment and action plan that was conducted by the county last year.