CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) announced that the 2025 Congressional Art Competition is officially open for all high school students who live in Florida’s 15th District. The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide contest to highlight talented young artists from high schools across the country. Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. The Congressional Art Competition is now open, and all art must be submitted by April 4, 2025. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges and will receive Congressional Recognition, have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., and featured on the Congressional Art Competition website for one year. Winning students will also be invited to an awards ceremony on Capitol Hill, to be announced later. For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, submission criteria, and deadlines, please visit Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s website or contact Sarah Centonze at sarah.centonze@mail.house.gov or (813) 393-5077.
DEADLINE FOR POTENTIAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FROM 2024 HURRICANES
In a continuing effort to assist homeowners who suffered property damage during last year’s devastating hurricane season, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob “Coach” Henriquez has mailed a postcard to approximately 300,000 residents reminding them the deadline to file an Application for Catastrophic Event Tax Refund (Florida Department of Revenue form DR-465) is March 1, 2025. This refund is available to Florida homeowners whose primary residence was rendered uninhabitable for 30 or more days in 2024 due to a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane, flood, or fire. However, the property owner must file Form DR-465 by March 1. “We understand the challenges faced by residents who experienced property damage due to last year’s hurricanes,” Henriquez said. “We want to ensure that everyone who is eligible for this tax refund is aware of the upcoming deadline and has the opportunity to apply.” To qualify for the refund, homeowners must submit a completed DR-465 form to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office by March 1, 2025. The form must include supporting documentation, such as photos of the damage, utility bills, insurance forms, and contractor statements. For more information about the Catastrophic Event Tax Refund, please visit the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Property Damage Reporting Hub or call the HCPA’s Property Damage Hotline at 813-272-6332.
NORMAN MCLEOD
VETERAN’S BREAKFAST
On Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., join Norman McLeod American Legion Post #26, located at 2207 W. Baker St., to honor veterans. This event includes an all-inclusive breakfast and time spent with fellow Plant City area veterans. It is FREE to all veterans. For more questions, reach out to Mark Conner at 813-352-4891. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY
FESTIVAL HORTICULTURE EXHIBIT
The Plant City Garden Club will host the annual exhibit in the Neighborhood Village Building at the Strawberry Festival grounds. Plant entries will be accepted only on February 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from amateur growers in Hillsborough County. On Wednesday, February 26, judging begins at 9:30 a.m. The Strawberry Festival runs from February 27 to March 9. Pick up plants on March 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Entry forms are online at https://flstrawberryfestival.com. Go to the Into Tab, Contests, Neighborhood Village Contests, 2025 Plant City Garden Club Rules & Regulations.