Before the sun had even risen over Gibsonton, dedicated barbecue teams from Tampa Electric, Peoples Gas, and the community arrived with one mission: to craft the best barbecue in Florida—all for a great cause.
With grills fired up and the aroma of smoky goodness filling the air, the TECO Family BBQ Cook-Off for Charity kicked off in true Florida style. From perfectly seasoned brisket to finger-lickin’ ribs and secret sauce recipes passed down through generations, the competition was fierce, the flavors were bold, and the sense of community was stronger than ever.
A Celebration of Community & Giving Back
More than just a cook-off, this annual event is a celebration of teamwork, generosity, and good food. Attendees enjoyed classic and futuristic cars, music, family-friendly activities, and even a OneBlood donation drive. TECO team members—past and present—came together to enjoy the fun, reconnect, and, of course, taste (and re-taste!) the incredible barbecue. Enjoy more moments from the BBQ on our Facebook Gallery!
And the Winners Are…
It wouldn’t be a cook-off without crowning champions! After a full day of grilling, judging and friendly competition, here’s who came out on top:
- Grand Champion Overall: Flaming Heads – Polk Power Station
- Reserve Grand Champion: Pork O Holics – Tampa Electric Western Service Area
- 3rd Place Overall: No Burns & No McDonnell – Burns & McDonnell (contractor)
- 4th Place Overall: Holla Atcha Boyz – Peoples Gas
- 5th Place Overall: Up In Smoke – Peoples Gas
Brisket:
- 1st Place: Flaming Heads – Polk Power Station
- 2nd Place: Pork O Holics – Western Service Area
- 3rd Place: Holla Atcha Boyz – Peoples Gas
Ribs:
- 1st Place: IBEW BBQ Crew – Plant City Service Area & IBEW
- 2nd Place: South of the Border – Tampa Electric South Hillsborough Operations
- 3rd Place: No Burns & No McDonalds – Burns & McDonnell (contractor)
Pork Butts
- 1st Place: Flaming Heads – Polk Power Station
- 2nd Place: Up In Smoke – Peoples Gas
- 3rd Place: IBEW BBQ Crew – Plant City Service Area & IBEW
Chicken
- 1st Place: No Burns & No McDonalds – Burns & McDonnell (contractor)
- 2nd Place: IBEW BBQ Crew
- 3rd Place: P-10 – Tampa Electric Winter Haven Service Area
Sauce
- 1st Place: Smells Like Freedom – Bayside Power Station
- 2nd Place: Take You To Skool – Peoples Gas
- 3rd Place: Cold Beer
Chicken Wings
- 1st Place: I Can't Believe It’s Not Manatee – Big Bend Power Station
- 2nd Place: IBEW BBQ Crew
- 3rd Place: Darn Good Barbecue (TECO Plaza)
Dessert
- 1st Place: Flamin’ Heads (Polk Power Station) – Polk Power Station
- 2nd Place: Smells Like Freedom (Bayside Power Station)
- 3rd Place: Meat Sweats (Contractor)
Peoples Choice
- 1st Place: Cold Beer BBQ
- 2nd Place: Smells Like Freedom – Bayside Power Station
- 3rd Place: I Can't Believe It’s Not Manatee – Big Bend Power Station
Congratulations to all the winners, participants and volunteers who made the 2025 TECO Family BBQ Cook-Off for Charity such a success! Until next year, we’ll be letting our anticipation—and our flavors—marinate.
