Ryan Nicol
Hendry County will soon have a new amphitheater located in Janet B. Taylor Community Tree Park thanks to a partnership between local Harlem leaders and U.S. Sugar.
The amphitheater is viewed as a potential hub for major community events, where residents and local organizations can host large gatherings.
“This amphitheater will bring our local residents together for fellowship and music for many years to come,” said Brannan Thomas, U.S. Sugar’s Community Relations Director. “We are proud to support our community through local initiatives that unite one another, and this amphitheater goes a long way toward accomplishing that goal.”
U.S. Sugar originally donated the land to build the park, which was dedicated in 2022 to recognize former Hendry County Commissioner Janet Taylor.
Now, U.S. Sugar is donating to help fund construction of the amphitheater, which is expected to be completed in time to celebrate this Summer. David’s Carpentry & Concrete, a local, family-owned company, will oversee the construction project.
“What started as a vision for our community is now becoming a wonderful reality thanks to U.S. Sugar,” Taylor said. “Soon, our community will have a place to celebrate during holidays and gather on weekends while listening to music.”
U.S. Sugar has consistently contributed to community projects, such as dedicating new benches at Clewiston’s Harlem Community Tree Park, helping renovate and reopen the C.S. Mott Community Pool in Clewiston, and donating youth sports equipment to the Montura Clubhouse.
That’s in addition to routine back-to-school giveaways, where U.S. Sugar helps provide returning students with backpacks and other school supplies.
The group, which helps provide thousands of local jobs and supports more than 250,000 acres of farms in the region, also brings holiday cheer by transforming its locomotive into the “Santa Express” and offering giveaways during the holidays to contribute gifts and food to those in need within the community.
