[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4501]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE 2014 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

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                          HON. DENNIS A. ROSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 2014

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the 2014 Florida 
Strawberry Festival, which was held from February 27 through March 9, 
2014 in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World--Plant City, 
Florida. This event, which began in 1930, recognizes and celebrates the 
historical legacy of the Florida strawberry, and its importance to 
Hillsborough County.
  Hillsborough County produces about 15 percent of our nation's 
strawberries annually--with virtually all grown during the winter 
months. More than 10,000 acres of strawberries are grown in 
Hillsborough County, and 50,000 American jobs are impacted directly by 
the local strawberry industry. In total, this industry has an economic 
impact on our community exceeding $700 million per year.
  With attendance at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival regularly 
topping half a million attendees, this is one of the premiere festivals 
in the country, and I am proud to recognize its success.

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