If you live within walking or biking distance to the Florida Strawberry Festival, consider yourself blessed, because with attendance figures that topples 600,000 for the 11-day event, showing up in your car on a busy day isn’t the best way to start what’s supposed to be a fun day.
The Florida Strawberry Festival starts Thurs., Feb. 29 and ends Sun., Mar. 10. Here’s how to get there smoothly, no matter how you roll.
No matter where you park, make a note of the exact location and make sure you take the proper precautions to safeguard any valuables and other belongings you may have in your vehicle. Lock your doors, roll up the windows, hide your stuff and enjoy the peace of mind. Please don’t end up on our weekly list of police reports.
Parking
Parking is available on Florida Strawberry Festival property in the Blue, Gray and Red parking lots located on Ritter Street, off of Highway 92 or Highway 574.
Parking fees on festival property are:
Cars, pickup trucks and vans under 20 ft.: $5
Vehicles from 20 ft. to 39 ft.: $10
Vehicles or buses over 40 ft.: $15
A number of unofficial parking spots are available in independent lots around the festival grounds (Bryan Elementary School track, Tomlin Middle School, etc.).
Don’t be alarmed at the idea of parking at some business’ lot or in someone’s yard (as long as they’re clearly marked as festival parking). Not only is it legitimate, it’s also encouraged by the festival itself. It’s a decades-long practice that gets you the parking space you need and puts some cash in local residents’ pockets.
It’s also legal and part of Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival Special use District Overlay (FSFSUDO), created to relax restrictions for the duration of the festival and legitimize activity that supports such a large economic driver as the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Getting From the Parking Lot to the Gate Entrance
If you choose to park in one of the festival’s many lots and don’t feel up for a long walk, know that T. Mobile trams run daily from the Blue, Red and Gray parking lots to the festival’s entry gate 10 and 14.
RV Space Rental
For inquiries about reserving a space in the Seminole Lake RV Lot, located immediately west of the festival grounds and only open during the Festival, call the festival office at (813) 752-9194, ext. 233.