Editor’s Note: Dancing with the Locals is a charity fundraising event for the Noon Rotary Club of Plant City. Each year, eight to 13 couples compete in the competition for two awards: best dancers and most money raised.
Dennis and MacKenzie Bonefont have only danced in front of a large group of people once before — at their wedding in April.
The Bonefonts will take center stage again on Nov. 13, when they compete in the annual Dancing With the Locals competition.
The couple was asked to participate in the dance contest by Capt. Kyle Robinson, of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The newlyweds both work for the law enforcement office. Dennis Bonefont, originally from South Tampa, is a field training officer with the bomb disposal team. MacKenzie Bonefont, whose family has lived in Plant City since the 1800s, works in District II of HCSO, specifically in street crimes.
The Bonefonts met shortly before MacKenzie Bonefont joined the HCSO. Dennis Bonefont has been with the HCSO for 12 years, and MacKenzie Bonefont has served four years.
Dennis Bonefont is a United States Army veteran, which was something that made him gravitate toward the HCSO.
Though MacKenzie Bonefont now in the same line of work as her husband, her background was different. She holds a degree in broadcast journalism.
“I had always wanted to join the military and serve,” MacKenzie Bonefont said.
Once she obtained her degree, she decided to go into law enforcement instead of the military.
“Law enforcement has more to do than just traffic. I feel it’s so important … it’s journalism, just in a different light.”
The couple will be exchanging their badges and uniforms for colorful costumes at the Nov. 13 event, which is presented by the Noon Rotary Club.
“He’ll have a simple costume,” MacKenzie Bonefont said. “Mine will be crazy.”
The competition will be out of Dennis Bonefont’s comfort zone, but his new bride is familiar with the spotlight. MacKenzie Bonefont served in the Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court in 2007 and was Miss Central Florida.
The couple takes lessons from Just Dance studio owner Kevin Rios, and they aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves.
“It’s like trying to drink water out of a fire hose,” Dennis Bonefont said. “There’s so much coming at you. Up until this point, it’s been fun.”
As they work on making their routine seamless, the Bonefonts remain focused on why they’re in this competition.
“It’s for a good cause, MacKenzie Bonefont said. “I like the social side of things where everybody is joining as one.
“It’s just a cool experience, to be part of it,” she said.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com
What was your reaction when asked to be part of DWTL?
“I was honored to be asked,” Mackenzie Bonefont said. “Somewhat apprehensive.”
“Probably like a typical guy would feel,” Dennis Bonefont said.
Do you have any prior training?
No.
What dance style will you be doing?
West Coast/Salsa
IF YOU GO: DANCING WITH THE LOCALS
WHEN: 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13
WHERE: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road
CONTACT: DWTL Chair Jodi Stevens (813) 716-0908