Strawberry Festival's Longtime Leader To Retire; President-Elect Named

PLANT CITY, FL — The Florida Strawberry Festival announced Wednesday that Kyle Robinson will become president-elect effective immediately. He will replace longtime festival president, Paul Davis, who will retire in April.

As president-elect, Robinson will work alongside Davis during the 2023 festival season and directly oversee all the festival's day-to-day operations, budgets, marketing and staffing, according to a news release from the festival.

Davis will continue his role as president of the festival, while working with the board of directors and associate directors, providing his expertise to ensure a smooth transition through the end of his term.

"Kyle will be the 12th president/general manager in the festival's 92nd-year history," Davis said. "The board of directors and I are confident that Kyle is the right person for the job. He has worked security at our festival for 25 years now and knows our event so well. I have worked with Kyle and know firsthand his work ethic and his compassion for those under his command."

Robinson currently serves as a colonel within the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Throughout his 27-year career with the sheriff's office, he has worked in the Criminal Investigations Division, Special Investigations Division, Department of Patrol Services and Professional Standards Section.

"The festival has been a large part of my life. Some of my fondest memories were made here. It's an incredible opportunity to serve the festival and this great community,"said Robinson. "I am confident moving into this new position because the festival has an engaged, experienced and knowledgeable board of directors and associate directors to rely upon for guidance. The insight I've gained from my experience in working the festival with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has prepared me to offer festival guests quality customer service interactions. Not too many people can say they have worked two dream jobs in their lifetime. I am blessed."

Robinson, a lifelong resident of Plant City, will join the Florida Strawberry Festival staff as president-elect following his retirement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office later this week.

"I love the festival and feel that Kyle will bring a great teamwork perspective and lead this great organization well in the future," Davis said. "Kyle has a genuine love for people, is a good family man and will be a great fit for our team. We are honored to have him."

The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest in eastern Hillsborough County.

Each year, more than 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival's headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, strawberry shortcake.

The 2023 Florida Strawberry Festival takes place March 2 through March 12 in Plant City.