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Ex-Sheriff's Office Commander Takes Over Berry Festival

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 2, 2008

TAMPA - Paul Davis commanded Hillsborough County's anti-gang unit, working to crack down on crime and take guns off the streets. After 32 years with the sheriff's office, he started a new career Monday.

He's now the Florida Strawberry Festival's general manager.

"The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office felt like family," he said today. "Now, I've gone to another family."

His last day with the sheriff's office was Wednesday. His post has been filled by Maj. Albert Frost.

Davis, 54, got his new job a month ago.

"To me, it's a dream come true," he said. "Bar none, it's probably the best community fair in the country."

Davis started his sheriff's office career as a dispatcher and did everything from serving as a canine officer to being a homicide detective before taking leadership roles.

Sheriff David Gee said Davis has been in charge of security for the Strawberry Festival for years, so Davis already has had plenty of time to integrate himself into the Plant City event. Gee said Davis is a workaholic and was a great employee.

"I'm losing one of the finest guys I've ever worked with," he said. "Pound for pound, I don't think I've ever met a better cop. He's an outstanding guy."

The festival in Plant City runs from Feb. 26 to March 8. This year's theme is Hometown Salute to America.

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