Last Year Plant City Issued Most Residential Building Permits Since 2014
In 2023, Plant City issued a whopping 718 residential building permits, a dramatic increase from 2019’s low of 54, a 1,230 percent increase. Most of these permits were issued in Northeast Plant City, fueled by the master-planned communities of Farm at Varrea and North Park Isle.
Permitted nonresidential structures also saw a year-over-year increase, from 29 in 2022 to 75 in 2023.
“Plant City is clearly an attractive place for people to want to live, work and play,” said Mayor Nate Kilton. “The permit requests are a reflection of the vibrant economy in Plant City and Central Florida in general. I give a lot of credit to our leadership team at the city and my colleagues on the commission for being thoughtful and cautious about how we grow and expand our city.”
South Florida Baptist Hospital Hiring Event Draws Crowds
As residents eagerly await the anticipated mid-2024 opening of South Florida Baptist Hospital’s new facility, located at 3202 N. Park Rd., job seekers gathered at the new building March 20 for a hiring event. Applicants learned about opportunities for clinical and nonclinical roles, including registered nurses, patient care techs, respiratory therapists, imaging specialists, laboratory techs, environmental services employees, food and nutrition, transporters and more. For more information about applying for one of its open positions, visit BayCareCareers.org.
Community members can also get a sneak peak inside the new hospital during its community preview event April 21.
Plant City Fire Rescue Promotion
Plant City Fire Rescue firefighter Josh Gordon was promoted to Driver last week. Surrounded by his brother firefighters, Captain, Battalion Chief and members of fire rescue administration, Fire Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas presented Gordon with his new badge and helmet front.
“This achievement speaks volumes to his dedication and excellence as a firefighter and paramedic,” said Sidlauskas.
Arts Council of Plant City Accepting Scholarship Applications
Are you a high school senior attending Durant, Strawberry Crest or Plant City High School? Do you plan on pursuing a career in the arts? If so, the Arts Council of Plant City is offering $1,000 scholarships to budding musicians, visual artists, dancers and actors. The deadline to apply is March 31.
For more information or for an application visit plantcityarts.com/scholarship.
Off-Duty Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Saves Life
Hillsborough County Sheriff Deputy Christina Paolillo, an off-duty officer working security at the Plant City Tax Collector’s office, happened to be in the right place at the right time March 12.
Paolillo witnessed a woman experience a medical emergency, collapsing in the building, located at 4706 Sydney Rd. She had no pulse and had stopped breathing.
Paolillo quickly jumped into action, administering CPR and calling for an AED. Her efforts brought the woman’s pulse back until Emergency Medical Services arrived and transported her to the hospital for further care.
The woman was reported to be in stable condition and is recovering, reports said.
“Deputy Paolillo’s quick action exemplifies the teamwork and dedication defining our community’s first responders and is a testament to the collaboration between Plant City Fire Rescue (PCFR) and law enforcement partners,” said PCFR Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas.
Strawberry Crest Cheer Team Wants To Egg Your Yard
Strawberry Crest cheerleaders want to egg your yard to raise money to help pay for upcoming competitions. They do all the work- purchase the supplies, fill the eggs, deliver and quietly place them in your yard after dark on Sat., March 30 so your kiddos can wake up to a big Easter egg hunt surprise. Eggs will be filled with a mixture of toys and candies (no chocolate since it will melt).
They will be delivering to the Plant City, Dover and Seffner area. Eggs cost: $30 for 25 eggs, $45 for 50 eggs, $60 for 75 eggs and $80 for 100 eggs. Payment must be made by March 27. To place an order scan the QR code in the flyer below.
For more information call SCHS Cheer Coach Loveny Savarino at (813) 480-7381.
