Civil Municipal - May 2024

Zephyrhills also capitalizes on its tourism potential, with attractions drawing visitors from around the globe. “Probably the biggest tourist attraction in Zephyrhills is skydiving,” remarks Poe. “Zephyrhills Skydive City is world-renowned. Part of it is that the ownership has created a community out there, but also, it’s the wonderful weather that we have. The city as a whole has accepted the skydiving industry, and skydivers come here like any other tourist, and they’ll spend money. They are in our restaurants, they are in our businesses, they are in our hotels. So, they have a huge economic impact on Zephyrhills.” The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center is another major draw for the community. Built in 2019 the top-notch facility offers nine clay courts, two hard courts, eight pickleball courts, and four padel courts.“It was built as an economic driver for the community,” portrays Poe.“Tennis Pro Florida is the operator of the facility, and they have an academy there. They’re bringing in students from all over the world to Zephyrhills, exposing Zephyrhills not just to the Tampa Bay region or the state of Florida, but across the world.” PRESENTING THE 15TH ANNUAL WWW.ZEPHYRHILLSCHAMBER.ORG/BBQ-BLUES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH 2025 175 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05 ZEPHYRHI LLS, FL