City Commission Recognizes Plant City Chamber of Commerce For 100 Years
The City Commission honored the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce with a resolution celebrating its 100th anniversary of playing a leading role in community, business and economic development in the area. The East Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, the forerunner of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, was officially created in 1924 to meet the needs of community, with a dual concern for business and for quality of life and to promote commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic interests in Plant City and East Hillsborough County.
“I’m proud because I inherited a legacy of all of the people who came before me and how strong the chamber has helped the community to grow and to be a part of this celebration is an honor,” said Chamber President Christine Miller, who accepted the resolution alongside incoming chairperson Lisa Rhodes.
Mayor Nate Kilton commented about the importance of the organization that has worked as an incubator, producing more than a few community leaders. “It’s an organization that’s been so important in our community not just for what it does for our businesses but how it overlaps in everything else in the life of our community,” said Mayor Nate Kilton.
Jeremy Sidlauskas Officially Sworn In As Fire Chief
Fire Chief Jeremy Sidlauskas was officially sworn into office at an Investiture ceremony held at City Hall on Jan. 22. Family, friends and coworkers gathered for the ceremony, which included remarks from City Manager Bill McDaniel and Mayor Nate Kilton. City Clerk Kerri Miller administered the oath.
“The role of Fire Chief is not merely a title but a profound leadership responsibility that requires courage, dedication and a commitment to the safety and well-being of the entire community,” said McDaniel.
Police Dog Dies After Contracting Pneumonia
The Plant City Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own- Police K9 Ryker died after contracting pneumonia.
Ryker, a German shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, had been picked up from Southern Coast K9 on Jan. 10, 2024. After he started showing symptoms, he was rushed to an emergency vet and later put to rest on Thurs., Jan. 18.
Ryker’s replacement was picked up yesterday. As of Monday night, a name hadn’t yet been given to him. The new dog, an 18-month old German shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, will be Officer John Gilmore’s partner. It’s his fourth dog.
City Employee Recognized For Kind Heart
Stormwater Operator Michael Homesly was driving the City’s on-call truck when, on his way home on Strawberry Drive at Thonotosassa Road, he passed a woman on a mobility scooter that appeared to be in distress. He circled back and found that she was stuck on a rather steep hill and had been shouting for help. The only person to stop, he assisting her by rolling her up the hill. She thanked him and continued on her way.
“I always say things like this are a representative of the quality of our team members and their conscientiousness towards the community they serve,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel.
IRS Free File Now Available For 2024 Filing Season
IRS Free File is now available for the 2024 filing season. With this program, eligible taxpayers can prepare and file their federal tax returns using free tax software from trusted IRS Free File partners. Taxpayers, including active-duty military, with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023 can likely find an offer from an IRS Free File provider that matches their needs. Those with an AGI over the limit can still file their return for free using Free File Fillable Forms.
To find the right IRS Free File offer, taxpayers can visit irs.gov.
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Announces Scholarship Opportunity For College Students
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer invites college students to apply for a scholarship provided by the Florida Supervisor of Elections (FSE). The FSE is offering three $1,200 scholarships to eligible Florida residents who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida. Students must also be at least a junior in college, or have enough credits for enrollment as a junior prior to the application date.
Hillsborough County residents must apply through the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office. Students who apply must be either a Political Science, Public/Business Administration or Journalism/Mass Communication major. The application deadline is March 8.
To learn about the full list of requirements and how to apply, visit VoteHillsborough.gov/Scholarship.
Looking For A Good Book? Check Out One Of These 2023 Most Read
In celebration of the Florida Department of Education’s Literacy Week, Jan. 22 to 26, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative is taking a look at 2023 reading habits to help raise awareness about the importance of daily reading.
Library customers borrowed a record 8.5 million library materials last year. That’s enough books, when placed end to end, to reach from Tampa to Boston.
These are the top books checked out in 2023 in the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library branches and online:
2023 Top 5 Adult Fiction
“Desert Star” by Michael Connelly
“The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham
“Long Shadows” by David Baldacci”
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
“No Plan B: A Jack Reacher Novel” by Lee Child
2023 Top Young Adult Fiction
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Barnes
“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins
