In recognition of National Seafood Month in October, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partnered with VISIT FLORIDA to promote the Pensacola Seafood Festival and the other seafood festivals throughout the state that highlight Florida’s fresh, local seafood.
The comprehensive list of Florida’s annual seafood festivals, housed on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ website, can now also be found on VISIT FLORIDA’s website in time for peak festival season, which spans from September through May.
“From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida’s seafood festivals highlight ‘Fresh From Florida’ seafood while providing community entertainment,†said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Each seafood festival features local seafood and dishes, and many include family-friendly attractions, such as: arts and crafts vendors, children’s rides, parades, 5K run/walks, cooking demonstrations, and competitions. Residents and visitors can plan their next seafood festival weekend by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com or VISITFLORIDA.com.
“VISIT FLORIDA is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to promote the Sunshine State’s seafood festivals through our website and social media efforts,†said VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Will Seccombe. “Helping ensure our residents and visitors are aware of activities that combine a passion for fishing, dining and festivals is a win-win for us all.â€
Florida’s seafood festivals celebrate the $258 million industry that commercially harvests more than 99.2 million pounds of seafood per year. The top species for Florida’s commercial landings are: grouper, shrimp, spiny lobster, snapper and stone crab.