LaRue Maintains Grip on Florida

Jammin' Joe LaRue proved again why he's the top-ranked eater in the sunshine state when he won the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Pembroke Lakes Mall on Saturday, June 18th.

Facing tough competition from Kim Kosol, Michael 'Per Diem' Parish and the fast rising Hall Hill, LaRue entered the arena with a confident and relaxed swagger. With flash bulbs popping and tape rolling, the big man jammed 20 Nathan's HDBs down in 12 minutes.

Along with the trip to NYC, LaRue received a year supply of Nathan's dogs and 52 meal coupons from the local franchisee.

In the audience was former fried clam eating champion of Cape Ann Massachusetts known as Maury the Mollusk. Now retired, the 70 year old clam champ said: "The game has changed. In my day 13 or 14 hot dogs would have been impressive."