'Voice' of Florida Strawberry Festival, 2 others die in head-on crash. Here’s what we know

Melissa Pérez-Carrillo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Updated ·2 min read
Randy Scott and Jill Scott, both 71 died after a dump truck crashed head on into their SUV. The Scotts were fervent workers at Plant City's annual Strawberry Festival.
Randy Scott and Jill Scott, both 71 died after a dump truck crashed head on into their SUV. The Scotts were fervent workers at Plant City's annual Strawberry Festival.

A beloved Strawberry Festival employee was killed in a car crash on Monday in Palmetto. He was remembered by fair officials for his hard work and "sweet demeanor."

Randy Scott and Jill Scott, both 71, were killed alongside Jill Scott's sister, 80-year-old Judy Cook, after a dump truck crashed head on into their SUV. The Scotts were fervent workers at Plant City's annual Strawberry Festival.

Who were Randy and Jill Scott?

Randy Scott was called the "voice" of Plant City’s 11-day Strawberry Festival. He would help welcome guests each morning by singing the National Anthem and would end each day by singing “Happy Trails" by Roy Rogers.

Festival officials said in a Facebook post that Randy Scott was known for his "sweet demeanor, steadfast spirit, quiet confidence and genuine concern for others." Jill Scott was the "jewel" of Randy's eye and was always working behind the scenes to support her husband and family.

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"The Scotts were true servants whose reach extended far behind the Festival grounds," said a Facebook post from the Florida Strawberry Festival. "Their presence will be greatly missed within our community."

The couple were dedicated members of GraceWay Church of Plant City, where Randy Scott was in charge of sound and played the harmonica on the worship team. Jill Scott and her sister, Judy Cook, worked as "decorator extraordinaries" at the church.

How did the accident happen?

Randy Scott was driving in a SUV with his wife and sister-in-law when a dump truck slammed into them at 1:50 p.m. They were traveling west on County Road 675 in Parrish. The dump truck driver veered into the shoulder of the road and overcorrected to the left, crossing into the path of the SUV. Randy Scott attempted to swerve out of the way, but the car crashed head on with the dump truck.

Randy Scott, Jill Scott and Judy Cook were pronounced dead at the scene. The truck driver, 59, from Palmetto was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

What is the Strawberry Festival?

Since 1930, the Strawberry Festival celebrated its bountiful harvest of Florida strawberries in Plant City. Over the years, the 11-day event has grown to include carnival rides, star-studded concerts and strawberry-themed fair foods. The 2023 festival year has concluded, but the 2024 festival will be held from Feb. 29 - March 10.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Randy and Jill Scott, Florida Strawberry Festival workers die in crash