From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:
From left to right: Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam; Mark and Kay Powell, owners of Powell Tree Farm; Gov. Rick Scott; First Lady Ann Scott; Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater; Attorney General Pam Bondi; and local school children
“It’s a pleasure to present these beautiful Florida-grown Christmas trees to the Governor and my fellow Cabinet members, officially kicking off the Christmas season at Florida’s Capitol,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “When families are preparing for this Christmas season, remember you can get a ‘Fresh From Florida’ Christmas tree grown right here in our great state.”
The trees, which will be on display in the Plaza Level of the Capitol through the month of December, were provided by the Powell Tree Farm in Sneads, Florida. Every year, Floridians harvest approximately 16,000 trees from the state’s more than100 Christmas tree farms.
At the ceremony, Governor Scott lit the Christmas tree in the reception area of the Executive Office of the Governor. First Lady Ann Scott hung the first ornament on the tree, the 2015 Governor’s Mansion Christmas ornament. The Governor and First Lady, along with the members of the Cabinet, thanked Powell Tree Farm for providing the trees to the Capitol this Christmas.
The Powell Tree Farm is a family farm, owned and operated by Mark and Kay Powell in Sneads, Florida. Mark’s father, Reid Powell, planted the first trees in 1981 and opened the farm’s gates to customers in 1984. The farm produces the popular Leyland Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, and Virginia Pine. In addition to farm grown trees, they also offer a selection of pre-cut Fraser firs. Christmas decorations and handcrafted metal art.
To find a Christmas tree farm in Florida, visit the Florida Christmas Tree Association website, flchristmastrees.com/Farms.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.