S3 E4 | Balancing Tradition & Growth: The Plant City Strawberry Festival

Kyle Robinson, President of the Plant City Strawberry Festival, sits down with host Owen LeFave to discuss his career journey and lifelong connection to an annual event that has seen its own evolution. Kyle managed security for the Strawberry Festival during many of the 27 years he spent working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. He became president of the festival in 2022. Since its 1930 inception, the Plant City Strawberry Festival has had a rich history and continues to have a cultural, community, and economic impact on the region–from the creation of year-round and seasonal jobs that support local families to the dedication of its 1,400 volunteers. Not only does the festival claim to be the birthplace of the Strawberry Shortcake, but its support of local agriculture and youth through nearly $2 million in 4-H and FFA scholarships demonstrates its commitment to giving back to the community. At the same time, strong partnerships with law enforcement, an enhanced concert experience, reception to customer feedback, and plans for infrastructure improvements show how the festival is always looking forward. If you've ever wondered how an organization can strike the right balance between pride in its traditions and dedication to future growth, this is the episode for you.   The Bank of Tampa | Member FDIC