Plant City Celebrates New Stage
Shakespeare once said “all the world is a stage,” and while Plant City isn’t a stage, it bought one in Nov. 2022. It was delivered in Dec.
The portable hydraulic stage, that folds up into a semi-truck trailer, was set up in the parking lot of City Hall at Monday night’s commission meeting so commissioners and other city employees could see what their money bought.
Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson said the stage will be used for special events, including the fourth of July celebration, Easter egg hunt and concerts on the lawn. “Some of our nonprofit groups will be able to rent it out for their events as well,” she said.
When not in use, it will be stored under a pole barn on city property.
Local resident and community organizer Marsha Passmore gushed about the new stage. “This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen,” she said. “I’m gonna go home and look at my event list and see what we can use this for.”
Drane Street Restoration Project in Full Swing
The Drane Street restoration project is underway as work crews prepare to bring back the original brick road. Years ago, the brick road was partially paved over following a utility repair. Crews are working to regrade and level the roadway which will then be restored to a full brick road. While construction is underway, the parking lot immediately off of Drane Street is closed.
Roaches Found In Plant City Restaurants
More than 150 public food service establishments in Hillsborough County were inspected this month by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants that didn’t pass the first inspection. Some were forced to temporarily shut down until violations were remedied. (An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.) Information about inspections can be found at myfloridalicense.com.
Plant City Homestyle Buffet: 3 violations reported on Jan. 6, facility temporarily closed, “1 dead roach on floor by dish area.1 dead roach on floor by ice machine. Manager removed and cleaned and sanitized areas.”
Plant City Goodwill Gets Makeover
Plant City Goodwill, located at 2802 James. L. Redman Pkwy., is open as it is undergoing a renovation and redesign, a spokesperson for Goodwill said.
The 17,276 square foot building, constructed in 1985, will remain open during construction and continue to serve customers. Renovations include improved lighting, interior and exterior painting and new floors.
The updates are being made thanks to feedback from its customers. “When we at Goodwill-Suncoast remodel any one of our 22 stores, we take into account the valuable feedback we receive from our shoppers and donors,” said Drew Przybyszewski, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. “It’s a redesign for a better shopping experience.”
Goodwill is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations will also continue to be accepted at the location.
For a complete list of locations, visit goodwill-suncoast.org.
Nominations Sought For Environmental Champions
Hillsborough County is asking for residents’ help in honoring those who have worked tirelessly to protect the environment. Nominations are now being accepted for Hillsborough County’s Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award, an honor given annually to an individual or group who exemplifies dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources. Nominees must live and work in Hillsborough County or have lived/worked in Hillsborough during the time of their achievements and be “someone who shows persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county’s natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship,” according to the award criteria.
Nominations will be reviewed by the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee, which will send a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. The Board will hold an award ceremony in the spring to coincide with National Arbor Day.
The deadline for nominations is Feb. 29. To access the nomination form, visit hillsboroughcounty.org/en/government/board-of-county-commissioners/t-roosevelt-hillsborough-conservation-award.
District Asks Homeowners To “Skip a Week” of Irrigation This Winter
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is calling on residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. If your lawn has received significant rainfall, irrigation systems can be turned off and operated manually as needed. Watering only every other week at most during the winter will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season. For additional information, visit WaterMatters.org/SkipAWeek.
Got a Beautiful Babe? Enter him/her in the 2024 Baby Parade
Got a terrific tot? A beautiful babe? Enter him/her in the annual Baby Parade, held at the Florida Strawberry Festival on Sat., March 9 at 9:30 a.m. Registration costs $27 and benefits the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club’s annual Shoe Project. Fifty entries will be accepted in each of the age groups. Children must be between one and four years old as of Wed., Jan. 31 to be eligible to participate. Trophies will be awarded along with rosette ribbons to the winners in each of several categories. Registration is open until 11:59 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 28. For more information visit gfwcplantcityjuniors.com.