May 24, 2016
Keith and Paula Clarkson had the honor of hosting a special bill signing at their Polk County farm on May 23. The Clarksons welcomed Gov. Rick Scott, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and four legislative leaders for a ceremonial signing of the agritourism bill passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2016 session.
The new law assures that farmers will be allowed to open their properties for civic and ceremonial events and it also prohibits the imposition of certain city and county regulations on agritourism enterprises. This measure was one of Florida Farm Bureau’s top legislative priorities this year.
Sen. Wilton Simpson, Sen. Kelli Stargel, Rep. Jake Raburn and Rep. Colleen Burton joined the Governor and the Commissioner for the event. An appreciative crowd thanked all of them for their collective work to make sure the legislation was adopted.
The Clarksons own and manage C&W Farms of Central Florida, a u-pick blueberry and blackberry operation located just outside of Lakeland.