WELL, IT WILL BE AN EVENT, AFTER ALL!!!

Almost every county in Florida has it's traditional gathering of sorts that is generally considered on the "must attend" list for politicos wanting to move ahead in state and local government.

Polk County has one of it's own, the 23rd Annual Haines City Pig Roast and Golf Tournament, that would fit that description perfectly...although it has changed a bit in recent years.

Sponsored by the Haines City Chamber of Commerce, it has been held the past couple of years at the Greenlefe Golf and Tennis Resort. And the Pig Roast itself has priced itself beyond the reach of most residents, with tickets at $50 each.

But it still is considered among the list of events that candidates should attend. Although the elections are next November, there are a good number of politicians listed among those who will be present:

U.S. Senate: Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Sarasota) and "representatives" from Senator Bill Nelson's (D) - office.

Governor: Attorney General Charlie Crist (R), Prison Ministry President Bernie DeCastro (R), Congressman Jim Davis (D - Tampa), Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher (R), Florida Senator Rod Smith (D - Alachua)

Chief Financial Officer: State Senator Tom Lee (R - Brandon).

Florida Senate: J.D. Alexander (R/17 - Lake Wales).

Florida House: Baxter Troutman (R/66 - Winter Haven) -- he will serve as emcee for the event.