It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2013 Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival. It seems like only yesterday that we hatched the idea for a Blueberry Festival to kick off our blueberry U-pick season here at Keel Farms. The seasons keep passing by, and, believe it or not, this will be our sixth […]
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Festival Map and Schedule
SIXTH ANNUAL TAMPA BAY BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL WHEN: April 27 and 28 WHERE: Keel and Curley Winery, 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City INFORMATION: (813) 752-9100 WEBSITE: keelandcurleywinery.com/blueberryfestival Download a schedule and map of the festival grounds here. COMPLETE SCHEDULE SATURDAY APRIL 27 8 a.m.: Gates open and U-pick blueberries starts and continues while supplies last […]
Continue ReadingPlant City foodies share blueberry recipes
For about 30 days in March and April, it’s time to pick and sell Florida blueberries. That’s all the time growers have before the season begins in other parts of the country. But during half of that narrow window, Florida is the only place in the world growing fresh blueberries. Local restaurateurs, growers and foodies […]
Continue ReadingJackson Elementary plans Concert for a Cure
Peppy and youthful, Pim Sorber was diagnosed with cancer at just 32 years old. But the Jackson Elementary kindergarten aide won the battle. Now, two years later, she is doing whatever she can to help other cancer patients and survivors. With the help of some community choirs, she has organized Concert for a Cure, a […]
Continue ReadingHow to Pick the Perfect Blueberry
As the director of farming operations for Keel and Curley Winery, Ryan Keel knows a lot about blueberries. During blueberry picking season in April, Keel has about 100 pickers, whom he trains how to pick only the best blueberries. During the two days of the Blueberry Festival, visitors can join in on the last U-picks of […]
Continue ReadingHealth Benefits of the Blueberry
Blueberries are the star ingredient in many delicious recipes, but the berries themselves also are linked to many health benefits. The berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. One cup of blueberries delivers 14% of the recommended daily dose of fiber and nearly one-quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. The United […]
Continue ReadingBlueberry production grows in Plant City
Whether it’s signs welcoming guests to the city, branding with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce or the annual Florida Strawberry Festival, there is no denying Plant City is, indeed, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The city takes pride in its famous crop, but another berry has found sustained success in Plant […]
Continue ReadingHistory of Keel and Curley Winery
After years of growing blueberries, owner Joe Keel wanted to do something with the leftover blueberries from his harvest. They still were quality berries, and he didn’t want them to go to waste. So, Keel cooked up an idea for the excess crop in 2003. But, he didn’t want to make jellies, jams or preserves. […]
Continue Reading04.11.13 Winner: Felecia Brass
Felecia Brass captured this shot of two iconic Plant City sights at a recent Plant City Dolphins game. The Plant City Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to launch the new I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Weekly winners will have their photo featured in the Plant […]
Continue ReadingHistory of the Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival
What started as a way to get rid of the last remaining berries of the season has flourished into a beloved tradition. The Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival launched in 2008, and it just may be the area’s sweetest secret. The festival began as a U-pick event at Keel and Curley Winery. Blueberries are grown in […]
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