2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Florida Attractions Association, which was formally chartered as a corporation on October 14, 1949. This year, we’ll pause to look back on our founding and the people and events which shaped our industry. Folks like our founding members:
- Peter Schaal, Silver Springs
- Richard D. Pope Sr., Cypress Gardens
- Jack Bauder, Nikko Gray Line Sightseeing Boats
- Newton Perry, Weeki Wachee Springs
- Francis S. Scherr, Parrot Jungle
- Mrs. Alfred B. Maclay, Killearn Gardens
- George Stacey, Musa Isle Indian Village
- Joseph Dumond, Monkey Jungle
Their vision for the FAA:
To foster and cultivate the social, educational and business relations of its members; to broaden their interests in the pursuit of their operations and to improve their standards of efficiency; to promote cooperation in all matters of interest to their business of operating and maintaining tourist attractions in Florida; to create and maintain higher standards in business dealings; to correct trade abuses; to compile and distribute information to its members for their benefit; to aid and protect its members and do all things as are properly within the scope of such an association for the welfare of its members.
Looking back can be instructional, but moving forward is the only path to achieving future success. This year, we’ll do both.
