36th Annual Tour of Homes Raises Funds For Arts Council of Plant City
The Arts Council of Plant City hosted its 36th Annual Tour of Homes Dec. 10, with ticket holders visiting some of Plant City’s most highly decorated homes. The event is the Arts Council’s largest fundraiser of the year with dollars raised funding four $1,000 scholarships for local graduating seniors, the Seward Johnson sculptures, the lamppost banners in the downtown area and other projects. Its next event, Chilifest, is scheduled for February 3, 2024. Save the date for this fun event that held in conjunction with Railfest.
City Commission Approves New Playground Equipment at Mike E. Sansone Park
Mike E. Sansone Park’s playground is one step closer to getting a much-needed refresh, thanks to the city commission authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Rep Services, Inc. to furnish and install the new equipment. When installed, the new playground, which will also be relocated closer to the dog park, will feature ADA accessibility, a we-saw (a four-seat seesaw), climbing structures, artificial turf, a zip line coaster and shade sails. The cost of the project is $350,264.79 and has an estimated completion date of fourth quarter 2024.
City Commission Recognizes Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School Assistant Principal Chandra Todd/Band Wows Crowd Outside City Hall Prior To Commission Meeting
It was ironic that Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School’s band was slated to perform in front of City Hall before the Dec. 11 City Commission meeting. They were scheduled to perform weeks before its assistant principal, Chandra Todd, learned she was named 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year by Hillsborough County Public Schools. The city commission decided to recognize her with a proclamation at the Dec. 11 meeting which meant she had a veritable cheering squad as she walked into City Hall to accept the recognition.
Commissioners sung her praises after the proclamation was presented. “She’s tough now but she handles her toughness with love,” said Commissioner Mary Mathis. “We love you and appreciate you, there’s some great things ahead for you.”
Hope Lutheran Welcomes Mobile Food Pantry
On Thur., Dec. 21st, Hope Lutheran Church, located at 2001 North Park Rd., will host their mobile food pantry in the church parking lot. The pantry, in association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lakeland will begin distributing food to those in need beginning at 6 p.m. and finish when the supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to join them as they work to eliminate food insecurities in the community. Various goods are available from vegetables and meats to dairy products and bakery goods. The pantry, “Moving Hope” takes place at Hope Lutheran on the 3rd Thursday of each month. No identification is required and the pantry is open to anyone in the Plant City community needing that extra hand. For additional information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.