Florida's Emerald Coast Announces John Drummond of Austin, Texas, 'America's Most Deserving Dad'

DESTIN, FORT WALTON BEACH and OKALOOSA ISLAND, Fla., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The search for 'America's Most Deserving Dad' is over as Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, host sponsor of the video contest, selects John Drummond of Austin, Texas. Drummond beat out more than 70.1 million eligible fathers in the United States to win the title and official grand prize -- a 2012 JEEP Wrangler, one-week stay for six in a luxurious Destin beach house courtesy of ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, round-trip airfare and $500 shopping spree to Destin Commons (www.emeraldcoastfl.com).  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120618/CL26341 )

John's four children submitted a heartwarming video with the help of their mother, explaining why their compassionate and courageous father warrants the honor. The children illustrate through video, photos and drawings John's dedication to his family and society. Working as a firefighter, Drummond makes tremendous sacrifices to protect the homes and families in the Austin community. As stated in the video, a family vacation is just what John needs, between saving lives, changing diapers and helping with homework, and since he has never owned a new car, a brand new JEEP would provide the family with plenty of room to chauffeur the kids to dance, cheer and football practice after school.

"We are pleased to announce the winner of this national campaign that encouraged families to tell us, 'Who is America's Most Deserving Dad?'" commented Emerald Coast CVB Interim Director, Greg Donovan. "The response generated much enthusiasm both locally and nationally. Florida's Emerald Coast is a destination that brings joy to visiting families year after year; now the Drummond's will enjoy a piece of that too."

Florida's Emerald Coast ended the 13-week spring marketing campaign on May 20, before surprising 'America's Most Deserving Dad' at his home in Austin, Texas, on Father's Day, June 17. Drummond's video was selected through a combination of online consumer votes, quality of content, overall creativity and originality.           

Named one of the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Places" by Good Morning America, Florida's Emerald Coast is famous for 24 miles of sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters. Year-round, vacationers indulge in simple pleasures – from the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and spirited beachside celebrations to challenging holes of golf and 13,000 Gulf-edged accommodations.

For more information on America's Most Deserving Dad, visit www.facebook.com/floridasemeraldcoast or call the Emerald Coast CVB at 800.322.3319.

SOURCE Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau