On Friday, March 7, Lakewood’s Center for Journalism and Media had the honor of going to the Florida Strawberry Festival. When we arrived, we had the pleasure of talking to Sandy Boggs, the owner of the Sandy Ann’s Fried Pies food truck. We were welcomed with immense hospitality and kindness, which was unlike anyone else at the festival.  

This was her third year at the Strawberry Festival and business was booming! Boggs makes pies with a secret technique that truly sets her apart. She uses her grandma’s recipe to make the pies from scratch, which creates a truly unique taste.  She is able to use her experiences from making pies with her grandmother to create a delicious food truck with a homey feel.  

“My inspiration comes from my grandmother…. we sat in the kitchen and made many pies together.” Said Boggs.  

However, when we interviewed Ms. Boggs, we did not expect the incredible story we would be given.  

The first year that Boggs started her business, she had restored a vintage 1947 RV. It was beautiful and acquired a lot of attraction. But unfortunately, things changed, when Boggs was coming home from a show in her vintage RV, she was hit head-on by a drunk driver. The stunning 1947 RV was completely destroyed.  

But thankfully Boggs had wonderful friends and family who stepped up to help out. The RV she currently uses was completely built from the ground up by her friends and family.  

Despite all the hardships that Boggs had faced, her and her business are thriving. Her delicious homemade pies are crispy and warm, filled with fruity goodness. Her RV is a place many festival goers have to stop and visit because of its unique southern charm.  

She has been complimented by many bloggers and festival goers, as well as being interviewed by the WFLA news station at the 2023 Strawberry Festival.  

If you ever have the pleasure of seeing her adorable truck, I highly recommend you try her homemade pies and see why so many people are absolutely obsessed with them!  

The takeaway from this amazing story is that you can always come back from tragedy, just because an obstacle comes your way, doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dreams! Sandy Boggs was able to overcome a horrible accident, and in turn she has created a widely successful food truck that is adored by all.