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.
Freddie Ray is used to being in the air. The executive leadership coach teaches companies how to become more successful, and she is frequently traveling by plane across North America.
Despite her busy schedule, Ray and her husband, John Ray, have planned their calendar year around the Dancing with the Locals competition on Friday, Nov. 13.
“It’s an event that people can go to and have fun,” John Ray said. “But at the heart of it, it’s a positive thing for the community. Plant City has a big heart.”
The Rays met in 1995 while working for WBRC, a Fox-affiliated news channel in Birmingham. Freddie Ray worked in sales, and John Ray worked in news. After Freddie Ray was offered a job in Tampa, the Birmingham natives searched for a place to live for 10 months before moving to Plant City.
Although they hated the house they toured, the Rays stayed for lunch at a local eatery and felt at home. They instantly fell in love with the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and decided it was a good place to raise their three sons: Corey, Jack and Charlie.
“It was people-friendly,” Freddie Ray said. “There’s just everything here.”
John Ray is a residential agent at Caldwell Banker in Plant City. He is also the founder of ILovePlantCity.com, a website where he has been posting news, events and local activities since 2010.
“The big idea is to mesh it with selling real estate,” John Ray said.
Freddie Ray is also involved with the community. When she isn’t traveling, she works with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. She recently helped to facilitate the chamber’s leadership retreat.
“I enjoy opportunities to help the chamber and other opportunities when asked,” Freddie Ray said.
The couple is looking forward to dancing in the annual November event.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Freddie Ray said. “We have some fun moves that I think will be surprising.”
The Rays started practicing for the event about a month ago. Although finding time has been the most difficult thing for the couple so far, they are pleased with their progress.
They are taking dance lessons from Kevin Rios, owner of Just Dance, in Lakeland.
The couple is grateful for the chance to support Plant City.
“This event helps to give back a surprising amount,” Freddie Ray said. “It’s just a chance for us to give back.”
What is your favorite song to dance to?
“The most popular dance at our house right now is (Watch Me) Whip/Nae Nae,” John Ray said. The Rays were introduced to the song by their 15-year-old son, Charlie.
What are you most looking forward to?
“Dancing together,” Freddie Ray said.
“This is our first choreographed thing together,” John Ray said.
What dance style will you be doing?
A cha-cha.
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
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com