Cheryl Flood, Executive Director, Florida State Fair

Cheryl Flood, executive director of the Florida State Fair, spoke with Invest: about the various attractions the fair offers, why Tampa is an ideal location, and how the fair contributes to the agricultural economy in Florida. She also touched on the fair’s important role in the community, from aiding in disaster relief to educating local youth.

What have been some of the standout achievements and highlights for the Florida State Fair during your tenure as CEO?

This year marks my eighth year as CEO of the Florida State Fair. In my early years, I focused on understanding the organization and strengthening its financial foundation. Like many, we faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a difficult time, but we adapted quickly — implementing new safety protocols that allowed us to continue hosting the fair and serving our community. With deep roots in Tampa, the Florida State Fair has a proud history, and we’ve worked hard to build on that legacy by expanding our operations and making significant upgrades to our facilities.

What factors contribute to the tourism appeal in the Tampa area?

There’s so much to experience in Tampa. Visitors can explore our stunning coastline and world-renowned beaches, then head inland to discover the heart of Florida’s rich agricultural landscape — an industry that plays a vital role in our state’s economy. Tampa International Airport, consistently ranked among the top in the nation, offers convenient access to our region. Florida’s continued population growth is a testament to the area’s appeal, vibrancy, and quality of life.

What makes Tampa an ideal location for the State Fair?

Tampa holds a rich place in Florida’s history, and so does the Florida State Fair. Established in 1904, the fair originally took place in downtown Tampa — on the very grounds where the University of Tampa now stands. In 1975, state legislators demonstrated great foresight by purchasing our current property near the intersection of I-4 and I-75, recognizing Tampa’s strategic location and its potential to support the fair’s long-term growth and success.

What is your overview of the fair? What events take place at the fair?

The Florida Legislature entrusts us with the responsibility of hosting the Florida State Fair each February, concluding annually on Presidents’ Day. The fair spans 12 days and welcomes nearly 500,000 visitors, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, educational experiences, livestock showcases, and agricultural exhibitions. Beyond the fair, we serve as a year-round venue for a wide range of events — including consumer, home, boat, and trade shows, as well as equestrian competitions. The fair accounts for roughly 60% of our operating budget, with the remaining 40% generated through these diverse events. Throughout the year, we also host car shows, cultural festivals, and celebrations that reflect the incredible diversity of our community.

What role does the state fair play in promoting Florida’s agricultural industry, and how are you expanding agricultural education? 

One of our core missions is to promote and educate the public about agriculture. We aim to help people understand where their food comes from and to recognize the dedication and hard work of those who make it possible. Our youth education programs are central to this effort — giving young people the chance to raise and showcase animals while learning responsibility, animal care, and the broader importance of agriculture. We proudly support their efforts through scholarship opportunities. This commitment is deeply rooted in the culture of the Tampa region, and it’s essential that we continue to honor and highlight the role agriculture plays in our daily lives.

The Fair’s facilities are undergoing an upgrade. Where is the work focused and how do they impact the community?

Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to our grounds, but it also created an opportunity for meaningful improvements. Our 90,000-square-foot Expo Hall now has a new roof, freshly redone floors, a fully repainted interior, and new ceiling tiles. We’ve repaved our parking lot, and all of our more than 15 buildings now have new roofs. In addition to these upgrades, we continue to play a critical role in supporting the community during times of crisis. Our grounds have served as a base for emergency responders, search and recovery teams, and military communication efforts. We also provide training grounds for local first responders and offer boarding for horses during natural disasters. These efforts underscore our commitment to being a reliable and responsive community partner.

Being an economic driver, how do you ensure that you remain significant and how much impact are you creating?

As a state fair, staying relevant is essential. People’s interests are constantly evolving, and we actively study market trends to ensure we’re offering the entertainment, education, and experiences our guests are looking for. Society is changing, and we must change with it. Here in Tampa, we operate in a vibrant and competitive landscape that includes attractions like Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium — both offering strong educational and entertainment value. We recognize that, and we’re committed to evolving alongside our audience to remain a meaningful and exciting part of their fair experience.

How do your business partnerships help the State Fair?

Partnerships are vital to the success of the Florida State Fair. We are fortunate to have strong support from organizations that share our mission. Mosaic, a major sponsor of our agriculture program, is deeply committed to youth education and plays a key role in supporting our livestock and agricultural initiatives. Companies like Spa Manufacturing, Everglades Farm Equipment Group, and Coca-Cola also contribute significantly to helping to enhance our events and drive attendance. These partnerships reflect the spirit of community, collaboration, and shared purpose that define the State Fair.

How do you see the Fair continuing to evolve for future generations, and what are your priorities for the next two to three years?

The Florida State Fair carries a sense of nostalgia that resonates across generations. Many families have made it a tradition to attend year after year, and we’re proud to be part of those cherished memories. As Florida’s population grows, we also see an important opportunity to introduce newcomers to who we are and how we serve the community — inviting them to come and create new memories of their own. With the price of admission, families can spend an entire day enjoying entertainment without the need to spend extra on rides or food, and we’re committed to expanding those inclusive offerings. Our goal is to remain relevant while continuing to offer experiences that people of all ages can enjoy. Looking ahead, our priorities include improving infrastructure, preserving the fair’s nostalgic charm, and ensuring we continue to connect with every generation.

While January and February mark the height of our season, with the Florida State Fair as our signature event, our campus is active nearly every weekend throughout the year. We are home to the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre, which hosts 30 to 40 concerts annually through Live Nation, as well as a wide variety of indoor and outdoor festivals and events. We welcome both local and out-of-state promoters, and our flexible event spaces support everything from cultural celebrations to large-scale trade shows. Through it all, we remain committed to contributing to the economic vitality of the Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida as a whole.