restaurants, they are in our businesses, they are in our hotels. So, they have a huge economic impact on Zephyrhills.” The Mouratoglou Academy Zephyrhills 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.” In addition to attracting tennis enthusiasts, Zephyrhills has also hosted prominent figures like Daddy Yankee, the Puerto Rican rapper, who participated in a big Padel tournament held in the city. These attractions, alongside local festivals and events like Pigs in the Hills Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & 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 238 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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