Founders Day parade rescheduled to 4 PM amid low participation concerns

The Zephyrhills City Council meeting held on February 25, 2025, focused on preparations for the upcoming Founders Day event, scheduled for less than two weeks away. A significant decision made during the meeting was the change of the parade time from 11 AM to 4 PM. This adjustment was made in response to community feedback, as many vendors expressed concerns that an earlier parade would lead to decreased attendance and participation.

Currently, there are only 11 sign-ups for the parade, which is below the required 30 participants for the event to proceed. Council members emphasized the need for increased community engagement and promotion to encourage more participants. They noted that Founders Day coincides with other local events, such as the Renaissance Fair and the Strawberry Festival, which may impact attendance.

In addition to the parade, the event will feature live music, a classic car show, and an art show, with activities planned from 10 AM to 4 PM. The council is actively working on promoting the event through social media and partnerships with local colleges to enhance outreach.

The meeting also included updates on the renovation of the local theater, with a contract signed with an architectural firm, signaling progress on that front. The council highlighted the success of the recent Fancy Fleet event, which drew thousands of attendees and received positive feedback from the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and communication within the community to ensure the success of Founders Day and other local initiatives. The council urged residents to share information about the event to boost participation and engagement.