Flora-Bama 35th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss is back on, will take place in late October
Jake NewbyRising from the ashes like a ... mullet?
The 2020 Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss is no longer belly up. Originally postponed in April, the event is revived and will now take place Oct. 23 to 25 at the Flora-Bama Lounge & Package.
"When (Gov. DeSantis) made the call a couple of weeks ago to say that bars and restaurants can be full capacity, he specifically encouraged outdoor events," said Flora-Bama spokeswoman Jenifer Parnell, referring to the governor's phase 3 Florida reopening plan. "And for us, mullet toss is the perfect outdoor event."
There is no cover charge required to attend the 35th annual mullet toss, but there is a $15 fee for those who wish to compete. Those who would like to whip some fish through the air will be asked to pay the fee at the toss ring on the beach.
A cover will only apply to those entering Flora-Bama after 6 p.m. The cover is $5 for anyone age 21 and older (but free for membership card holders) and $15 for people between 18 and 20.
The kids' mullet toss runs from 10 a.m. to noon, while the adults throw from noon until 4 p.m. on all three days.
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Parnell said Flora-Bama is ready to follow all state guidelines regarding COVID-19 and has decreased the footprint of the event itself by scaling back the parameters of the tossing area.
"It usually spans across the state line and spills into Alabama so it is really large," she said. "This year, we are going to condense it. It will 100% be behind Flora-Bama, so we'll block off the beaches on either side and only use our beach."
The "Miss Mullet Toss Bikini Contest" will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Those interested can sign up between 1 and 3 p.m.
Mullet toss award breakdown
Children ages 16 and younger:
- Winners will be announced daily at 2 p.m. for the top coed, top physically challenged, top male and top female in the following categories:
- Children age 1-9 coed (one winner with longest toss will be awarded)
- Physically challenged children age 1-16 (one winner with longest toss will be awarded)
- Female children age 10-16
- Male children age 10-16
Adults ages 17 and older:
- Winners will be announced daily at 4:30 p.m. for the top physically challenged coed, top male and top female in the following categories:
- Physically challenged coed age 17 and older (one winner with the longest toss will be awarded)
- Female adult age 17-35
- Male adult age 17-35
- Female adult age 36-49
- Male adult age 36-49
- Female adult age 50 and older
- Male adult age 50 and older
What is a mullet toss?
Flora-Bama likes to call it "a big flash mob on the beach where a big fish throwing event breaks out."
Mullet tosses consist of individuals throwing a mullet from a 10-foot circle as far as they can.
This year's event will feature local celebrities tossing fish at 4 p.m. on each of the event's three days.
"We just want people to come and enjoy it," Parnell said. "Have fun, bring your friends. We're looking at good weather. We're just excited."
For more information on cost, tent rentals, amplified music, coolers and more, visit florabama.com/mullet-toss.
Jake Newby can be reached at jnewby@pnj.com or 850-435-8538.