AFTER FOUNDATION GOAL IS MET, HE WILL BE TAZED ON MARCH 27.
On March 13, the Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation held its first donor appreciation breakfast and business update at Johnson’s Barbeque. The 50 board members, donors, and police officers in attendance discussed its progress, victories, and future plans. The highlight of the meeting came at the end. The backstory is, when the foundation started last year, Mayor Nate Kilton gave a challenge that he would allow himself to be tazed if the foundation brought in more than $100,000 in its first year. In fact, the foundation raised $121,000. At the end of the breakfast, the foundation auctioned off the chance to taze the mayor. The bidding began at $1,000, and kept going up until Alan Kicklighter, owner of CIF Distributing, won with a bid of $2,200.
Kicklighter is a lifelong resident of Plant City, and longtime friend of Kilton. “We have known each other for 25 years. We have gone to church, and served as elders in church. We have vacationed together,” Kicklighter said. The reason Kicklighter kept going until he won the auction was, “….a little extra jab at Nate, because I have been messing with him and joking with him about some stuff. But, also because the money is going to the foundation—so it is for the greater cause, anyway. It is another way to put extra money into the coffers of the foundation.”
The foundation originally intended to offer the winner the option not to taze the mayor, but that was quickly taken off the table, because…where is the fun in that?
“Plant City is a city where we all come together to support our first responders, our veterans, and our military,” Kilton commented. “If there is an opportunity to do that, whatever it is, even if it is being tazed, then I am happy to do that. I want to make sure that our people are supported, that they feel supported—not just in words, but in actions. I think things the city commission has done recently for our first responders—not just our officers—but also our Fire Rescue, shows that we are committed to making sure they have the resources they need. Obviously, it is going to be an experience, but I am committed to it. I said I was going to do it. The foundation is phenomenal to be able to raise that kind of money. I have been hearing from a lot of officers what to expect, so I feel comfortable with it. It’s better than getting pepper-sprayed—I hear that all the time. At least I didn’t volunteer to do that.”
Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, with the purpose and focus to serve the PCPD by raising money through tax-deductible donations and community events. The foundation’s vision is to enhance collaboration between Plant City’s residents and law enforcement by fostering a sense of security, respect, and shared responsibility. Its mission is to enhance financial support for Plant City’s law enforcement and build stronger relationships with the community.
“Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting our department and enhancing the safety and well-being of our community,” PCPD Chief Richard Mills commented. “Through their generosity, we are able to provide vital resources that go beyond the city’s budget, such as advanced training, community outreach programs, and essential equipment. This foundation allows us to build stronger relationships with the community and ensures that our officers are well-equipped to serve with excellence. The support we receive from local residents, businesses, and organizations makes a direct impact on our ability to protect and serve Plant City. I encourage everyone to get involved and support the foundation, every contribution helps us continue to make Plant City a safer, stronger, and more connected community.”
Foundation Chairman Gary Pike commenting on Mayor Kilton’s challenge, “I think it created a rally point,” he said. “Not only a rally point, but something to coalesce behind—a mission. That mission had a humorous component, but there is a serious side of it. That inspired people. So, I was very appreciative, because how many people would make that bold of a commitment? He really is such a supporter of the foundation and our community. Nate is pretty special.” When the foundation was growing near to its goal, knowledge of Kilton’s challenge helped bring in the donations that met, and then exceeded, the goal.
Kicklighter will give Mayor Kilton a full 50,000-volt taze on March 27 at the Plant City Elks Lodge.
