‘The voice’ of Florida’s Strawberry Festival and his wife killed in Parrish crash

The voice of the Florida Strawberry Festival, his wife and wife’s sister were identified as the three Plant City residents that were killed after a dump truck crashed head-on with their SUV in Parrish on Monday, according to various reports.

Randy Scott, 71, was driving an SUV with his wife, Jill Scott, 71, and her sister Judy Cook, 80, on County Road 675, the Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa’s CBS affiliate, WTSP, reported.

According to the FHP report, a 59-year-old Palmetto man driving a dump truck was traveling west on County Road 675, also known as Rutland Road, entering a curve when the SUV traveled east on the same road and entered the same curve.

The dump truck driver veered onto the north shoulder, crossed the road in front of the SUV and entered the south shoulder, FHP’s report said.

Scott swerved to the right attempting to avoid the dump truck and entered the south shoulder, but the front of the dump truck hit the front of the SUV killing all three Plant City residents and sending the Palmetto man to Manatee Memorial Hospital, the FHP report said.

The crash happened at the intersection of County Road 675 and Jim Davis Road just before 2 p.m. Monday and the crash remained under investigation, FHP’s report said.

Social media tributes poured in for the Scotts and Cook.

“We were filled with great sorrow yesterday when we heard the heartbreaking news of the passing of our dear friends, Randy and Jill Scott, and Jill’s sister, Judy Cook,” the Strawberry Festival, which is in Plant City, said Tuesday on Facebook. “As the voice of the Festival, Mr. Randy’s dedication to our 11-day event was immeasurable. From singing the National Anthem each morning to serenading us with Happy Trails each night, Mr. Randy’s song will forever be missed.”

“He was a beloved employee of the Festival, where his time and talents were always put to great use. Everyone’s admiration for Mr. Randy started with just him — his sweet demeanor, steadfast spirit, quiet confidence, and genuine concern for others. Mrs. Jill was the jewel of Mr. Randy’s eye.”

“If you could catch a glimpse of her, she would often be seen working fervently behind the scenes to help support her family. Her willingness to serve others and desire to show appreciation for others set her apart from the rest. The Scotts were true servants whose reach extended far behind the Festival grounds. Their presence will be greatly missed within our community. Please join us as we extend our deepest sympathy to their family, friends, and the Cook family.”

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a statement on Twitter.

“I am sorry to hear about the passing of Randy Scott and his beloved wife, Jill, and her sister,” he wrote on the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Twitter account. “The Scott’s were very well known to our deputies as they could always hear his singing of the National Anthem every morning at the Strawberry Festival, or could count on a smile and genuine greeting throughout the day.”

“This is a major loss for the Plant City community and the close-knit group of volunteers at the Strawberry Festival. Our hearts and prayers go out (to) the grieving Scott family.”