New bell schedule proposed for Hillsborough schools
The Hillsborough County School Board will review superintendent Jeff Eakins’ proposed bell schedule for the 2018-19 school year at a meeting on Oct. 17. The new schedule was based on an online survey taken by selected students, parents and staff that received over 50,000 responses.
The proposed plans include a later high school schedule, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., an earlier start for elementary schools, from 7:40 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., and middle schools runing from 9:25 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Magnet schools will be open from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. for elementary classes and 8:30 a.m. to 3:25 p.m. for middle and high schools.
Eakins said the new schedule is a response to the community’s complaints about the current hours and its impact on students.
Parents are recommended to check the district websites for their individual schools as a few locations may vary. Hillsborough County is still taking feedback on the new times prior to the school board's Oct. 17. meeting. Those with concerns can send emails to bellschedule@sdhc.k12.fl.us.
Christian rap tour kicks off in Plant City
A Christian rap concert is coming to Plant City Oct. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. KB and Trip Lee, from Reach Records, are kicking of their "HOMETEAM Tour" at GracePoint Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road. KB will be playing songs off his new upcoming album and Trip Lee will introduce new songs as well as tracks off his latest album.
General admission is $20 online and $25 at the door, while VIP tickets are $45 and include a meet and greet at 6:30 p.m., 25% off all merchandise and advanced admission to the concert.
Wilson Clark, the youth director at Grace Point, said the concert is perfect for anyone who loves Christian rap. He said because it is the kick-off for their tour, he anticipates tickets selling quickly and recommends purchasing them online in advance at itickets.com.
Chamber aims to bring Plant City’s voice to Tallahassee
The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is creating a new legislative committee to strengthen the town’s voice in Tallahassee. The Governmental Affairs Committee will have its first meeting Oct. 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. The Chamber plans to gather information and public opinion to let legislatures know before, during and after legislative sessions what issues the town supports.
The event is open to the public and will be held at the member meeting room in the Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.
Florida Strawberry Festival theme announced
The Florida Strawberry Festival announced its theme for the 83rd event: “Building New Memories.”
"Yes, it points to the new entertainment venue we've constructed," president Paul Davis said in a news release. "But most of all, we want our guests to know we're in the business of continuously making new and better memories for families.”
The 11-day event uses its yearly theme to unify vendors, FFA chapters, corporate partners, exhibitors and organizations, many of whom create parade floats and displays for the festival.