Plant City History & Photo Archives and Arts Council Present the Plant City Sculptures Exhibit Photo Contest
March 13 through 21, bring in one (or a few!) fabulous photos, printed on 8×10 or 8½ x 11 paper, and attach an entry form with your information. Make sure your picture features the sculpture and at least one extra person – because who doesn’t love a little company?
The first, second, and third place winners will be crowned by the power of popular vote! So, rally your family and friends to come in, call, email, or cast their votes (by entry number) for your dazzling snapshots! Let the photo frenzy begin!
Swing by the Photo Archives at 106 S Evers Street, the Railroad Museum by McCall Park, or Bruton Memorial Library at 302 McLendon Street to grab your entry forms. Got questions? Give us a ring at 813-754-1578.
Mark your calendars because the winners will be revealed on March 27 at the Photo Archives, with the festivities kicking off at 5:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served.
The photos will be showcased at the Archives as soon as they are submitted and will remain on display through April. You and your photographs will be recognized in the newspaper, online, and in the Photo Archives Exhibition gallery.
EDUCATION JOB RECRUITMENT
Are you or someone you know looking for a career in education that positively impacts students’ lives? Hillsborough County Public Schools is hosting Open Houses throughout the county for teaching positions available for the 2025-26 school year. The next event will be held at Turkey Creek Middle School in Plant City on March 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Schools with job openings in the Plant City and Eastern Hillsborough County areas will be present. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/OHPlantCity
CHAMPIONS FOR YOUTH CLUB HOSTS DINNER FOR WORLD CHAMPIONS
On March 10, Plant City Champions for Youth honored the world champion Plant City High School Cheerleading Team at a dinner at Outback Steakhouse. The team is the FHSAA 2A Medium Non-Tumbling State Champions, the 2025 Small Varsity Non-Tumbling D1 UCA National Champions, and the 2025 Small Varsity Non-Tumbling World Champions.
The cheerleaders are Alyssa Felix, Aubrey Waraksa, Chaeli Smith, Chloe Smith, Emma Jones, Kayden Smith, Kelsey Tice, Mackenzie Garrett, Madelynn Hardwick, Madison Raley, Maya Howard, McKinleigh Doty, Payton Maraman, Payton Tucker, Raegan Kasten, Raylynn Thompson, and Sally Malloy. The coaches are Skotti Snapp Mesquita, Sara Kate Snapp, Karen Snapp, Cala Hogan, and Katy Urbinati.
Champions for Youth encourages, supports, and helps achieve youth goals in Plant City. Providing the dinner for the cheerleaders and coaches, and a $1,000 gift to Plant City Cheer, is Champions for Youth’s way of encouraging, supporting, and thanking them for their achievements.
BODY DISCOVERED, AND PEDESTRIANKILLED
The Plant City Police Department is investigating the death of a 59-year-old woman found in the 400 block of North Plant Avenue. On March 5, officers responded to the scene and discovered the woman, who displayed obvious signs of death. The Criminal Investigations Unit was notified and is handling the investigation. Currently, no foul play or criminal activity is suspected. The investigation remains active. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.
On March 8, at 2:20 a.m. a Nissan Rogue, driven by a 26-year-old Lakeland man, was traveling eastbound on US-92, east of Charlie Taylor Road. A 38-year-old Lakeland man walked southbound across the highway. The pedestrian entered the path of the Nissan and was struck by the vehicle. The fatally injured pedestrian died at the scene of the crash. Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the local FHP Troop C at (863) 413-3510.
BEALSVILLE PRESENTS JAZZ UNDER THE TREES EVENT
On March 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Historical Glover School, join in cherishing the historic Bealsville Community, where preservation and fellowship flourish, as you revel in the harmonious melodies of Florida’s most gifted musicians and vocalists. Expect live performances, free parking, Bar-B-Que with two sides, access to local vendors, access to tour the Historical Glover School and so much more! Be sure to bring a lawn chair and cooling towel or fan!
TEENAGERS WITH DREAMS OF BECOMING A HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FIREFIGHTER HAVE A CHANCE TO LIVE THEIR DREAMS
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Foundation is hosting the 2025 Summer Youth Fire Academy, and students ages 14 to 18 have until March 28 to apply for the two-week summer program. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue instructors will teach the students hands-on lessons and the multiple roles that firefighters have in their jobs.
The program curriculum includes fire ground operations, use of firefighting bunker gear, aerial ladder climb, search and rescue, forcible entry, rappelling and knots, water safety, CPR and first aid, and the history of the fire service.
Applicants must be high school students or graduating seniors between the ages of 14 and 18. A panel will review applications and make final selections based on class size.
The academy is free. Classes will be held June 9 – 20 at the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 9450 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33619. Uniforms, lunches, snacks, water, and sports drinks will be provided. Attendance is mandatory for all days.
Applicants must submit their application by 5 p.m. on March 28. Along with the application, students must submit a personal essay and include two letters of recommendation.
PLANT CITY FIRE RESCUE RESPONDS TO EARLY MORNING STRUCTURE FIRE ON GORDON STREET
At approximately 3:00 a.m., Plant City Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to reports of a structure fire on Gordon Street. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a single-family residence that was burning heavily.
Fire crews immediately initiated an aggressive fire attack, working swiftly to contain and extinguish the blaze. One individual was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. At this time, the patient’s condition is unknown.
The fire has been extinguished, but PCFR personnel remain on scene conducting overhaul operations and investigating the cause of the fire. The scene remains active, and residents are advised to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to complete their work safely.
“Plant City firefighters responded within minutes to find the home well-involved,” Jeremy Sidlauskas, Fire Chief of Plant City Fire Rescue, said. “They quickly went to work battling the fire, while also providing care to one patient, who was then transported by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. We appreciate the hard work of our crews and the assistance of our public safety partners.”
As a reminder, PCFR urges residents to have working smoke alarms in their homes and to practice fire escape plans regularly.
