Politics & Government
Florida Botanical Gardens Gets Boost Thanks to Popularity of Holiday Lights Display
The Pinellas County-owned natural attraction, located in Largo, will be well-financed for another year thanks to proceeds from a popular light display over the holidays.
Nearly 30 percent more visitors took advantage of the recent Holiday Lights in the Gardens held at Pinellas County's Florida Botanical Gardens located at 12520 Ulmerton Road n Largo, county officials report.
As a result, the coffers of the garden’s foundation are well-stocked for the remainder of the year.
Per a news release from Pinellas County officials, some 60,000 people donated money to enjoy the holiday light display at the gardens over a 38-day period this past holiday season, some 18,000 more patrons than last year at the same time.
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The jump in attendance meant roughly a sum of $96,000 for the garden's foundation, a bump of over $28,000 from last year's total proceeds.
The monies are used to play for the following holiday season's light displays as well as other costly expenses throughout the year. That means it's possible that for Christmas 2012, the display could be even more stunning than the light display this past year of over a half-million twinkling, eco-friendly LED lights.
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The Florida Botanical Gardens is roughly 150 acres of scenic landscapes, natural habitats and gardens compiling 25 different arrangements. Some of the vegetation highlighted in the gardens is tropical plants, fruits, herbs, roses, hibiscus, bromeliads and more.
The gardens are open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
