Honorary Chairperson Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Grand Marshal U. S. Representative Gus Bilirakis welcomed the almost 100 golfers to the event which included a “Guns vs. Hoses” division within the tournament competiton. Foursomes from both the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (“Guns”) and several Fire Departments (“Hoses”) participated. Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, the All-American Platinum Sponsor, sponsored two of the “Guns vs. Hoses” foursomes, with the foursome from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (“Guns”) winning the division. They received a perpetual trophy for one year, individual trophies, a complimentary foursome to The Groves, and a very special 1^st Responder Flag plaque for permanent display at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The overall #1 Tournament Champions were the team of Peter Castellani, Gary Ward and Don Hassee. They also received a perpetual trophy for one year, individual trophies, and a complimentary foursome to Lexington Oaks. Trophies and complimentary foursomes were also awarded to the 2^nd Place team of Dr. Edward McNamara, Michael McMillan, Kevin Garcia, and Steven Eldred, and to the 3^rd place winning foursome of Amber Mariano, Jack Mariano, Lauren Mariano, and Joe Schaefer. Trophies were also awarded for the Liberty Putting Contest, four Patriot Closest-to-the-Pin and -Line contests for both men and women, a Foundation Prize for the last place team, and a Best-Dressed Patriotic Outfit contest! All trophies were provided by A-OK Trophies, Land O’ Lakes. The Stars & Stripes Ice Cream Dessert Bar, provided by LOYO’s Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Café, was extremely well-received by all the guests after being out in the sun all day, while they listened to the patriotic music provided by DJ “Rockin Dave.”

Approximately 35 volunteers from The Groves and Land O’ Lakes were on hand to ensure all activities proceeded on track. The event kicked off with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem sung by Heide Janshon and was closed out by Heide singing “God Bless America.” For more information about sponsorship and golfing opportunities for the 2019 tournament, contact PFRWC president Meg Merritt (813.428.6541 or megmerritt3@gmail.com) or RCCP President Lillian Cucuzza (954.520.4555 or lilcucuzza@yahoo.com).