Governor Ron DeSantis today attended the Florida State Fair and participated in several events throughout the day to highlight Florida’s iconic agriculture and citrus industries. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Attends the Florida State Fair
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CFO Jimmy Patronis: Florida Economy Made Stronger by Agriculture
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis visited Tampa today for the grand opening of the Florida State Fair and highlighted the impact agriculture has on Florida and thanked first responders for their dedication to keeping our state safe. [Read more…] about CFO Jimmy Patronis: Florida Economy Made Stronger by Agriculture
Gov. Scott and Florida Cabinet “Flip the Switch” to Open Florida State Fair
The Governor and Florida Cabinet (l-r) Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, CFO Jimmy Patronis, Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi stand with Florida State Fair Board Chairman Doyle Carlton III and military and first responders to “flip the switch” for the 114th Florida State Fair.
Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet – Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and Attorney General Pam Bondi – today kicked off the Florida State Fair with the annual “flip the switch” ceremony, turning on the lights to the nation’s largest traveling Ferris wheel.
The Florida State Fair is a 12-day salute to the state’s best in agriculture, entertainment and food. Opening day of the Florida State Fair is “Salute to Heroes” day, and it continues the longstanding tradition of welcoming active duty military, veterans and first responders free of charge in recognition of their service to Florida and the nation.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam to Kick-off Florida State Fair on Thursday
MEDIA ADVISORY
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam will kick-off the annual Florida State Fair on Thursday, Feb. 8. The Fair runs from Feb. 8 through Feb. 19.
Media is welcome to attend the following opening day events; however, please note that these events are not open to the general public:
6:15 a.m.
“Flip the Switch” Media Event
Midway Sky Eye, Across from the Florida Welcome Center
Commissioner Putnam, along with Governor Scott, Attorney General Bondi and CFO Patronis, will open the 2018 Florida State Fair with first responders by “flipping the switch” to turn on the lights of the midway. *Please arrive by 6:15 a.m., the actual flipping of the switch will be at 6:35 a.m.
7 a.m.
“Fresh From Florida” Breakfast
Agriculture Hall of Fame Building
Commissioner Putnam, along with Governor Scott, Attorney General Bondi, and CFO Patronis will join local farmers, ranchers and representatives from Florida’s agriculture community for a casual breakfast, featuring “Fresh From Florida” products.
12 p.m.
Governor’s Day Luncheon
Charles M. Davis Special Events Center
The Governor will provide the keynote address at this annual Florida State Fair luncheon.
Please enter the Florida State Fairgrounds at the Orient Road Security Gate, located at the intersection of Interstate 4 at Orient Road. Parking is behind the Special Events Center. Media must RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m. to [email protected] to attend the events. Directions are available at floridastatefair.com/directions.aspx.
To view a map of the Florida State Fairgrounds, click here.
For more information about the Florida State Fair, visit FloridaStateFair.com.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Joins First Responders to Kick-off 2017 Florida State Fair
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi and first responders, today kicked-off the Florida State Fair with the annual “flip the switch” ceremony, turning on the fair’s lights for the first time this year. 
Opening day is “Salute to Heroes” day, and it continues the longstanding tradition of welcoming active duty military, veterans and first responders free of charge in recognition of their service to Florida and the nation.
First responder and law enforcement agencies present during the “flip the switch” ceremony included:
- Florida National Guard
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Hillsborough County Fire Rescue
- Tampa Fire Rescue
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- Florida Forest Service
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement
Many new attractions are making their first national appearance at the Florida State Fair, as Florida is home to the first state fair of the year. The fair unveiled the largest traveling Ferris wheel, the Midway Sky Eye, in its North American debut. It boasts a height of 155 feet, and riders can see farther than 15 miles when situated at the top of the wheel. Other additions to the Florida State Fair include the Street Fighter 360 and the New Super Slide, which stands 60 feet tall and 180 feet long.
The Florida State Fair also showcases Florida’s livestock, poultry and fresh produce. More than 5,000 animals will be shown in competitions throughout the fair, with more than 1,500 FFA and 4-H participants. Fairgoers have the opportunity to learn about Florida’s agricultural process from numerous educational activities, such as orange juice tasting, hydroponic demonstrations and meal planning.
This year marks the 113th anniversary of the Florida State Fair. The first Florida State Fair was held in 1904 near Henry Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel, which is now the site of the University of Tampa, and it moved to its current location in 1977.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com. For more information on the Florida State Fair, visit FloridaStateFair.com.
Photo caption: Commissioner Adam H. Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chairman of the Florida State Fair Authority Doyle Carlton with first responders to “flip the switch” for the 113th Florida State Fair.
