Plant City City Commission recognized Commissioner Michael Sparkman for his 30 years of service as a commissioner.
The commission also adopted the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget, set at $108,79,353. The budget included a substantial investment in the city’s workforce. Full-time, non-bargaining employees received a 13.5 percent salary adjustment on Oct. 1.
The question of what to do with approximately 400 gallons of ultra-purified, recycled water from Plant City’s Advance Water Treatment Plant was answered by Keel Farms owner Clay Keel.
Keel, who had toured the city’s One Water Demonstration Facility earlier in the year with Leadership Tampa, tasted the clean, direct potable reuse (DPR) water and thought he could make beer with it. He did just that and hosted a tasting event at Keel Farms.
Speaking of beer, the second-annual Oktoberfest transformed downtown streets with the sights and sounds of polka music and lively dancers and drew a crowd of thousands.
Plant City said goodbye to the Forbes Road Produce Stand, which had been a part of the community for more than 30 years. Its colorful road signs could be seen by motorist traveling on I-4 and many of them would stop by to pick some delicious, local produce.
Plant City resident and avid runner Roger Chapman, along with three teammates from across the country, set the American 4×800 meter record in the 4×800 meter race for the 60 to 64 year old age group.
The Strawberry Crest Chargers made their way to Riverview, coming away with a 35-31 win over the Spoto Spartans to move to 2-0 on the year. The Durant Cougars made their way to Bloomingdale, coming away with a 38-7 victory over the Bulls to stay undefeated and move to 3-0 on the season.
