2020 Florida Strawberry Festival Battle of the Bands
In this year’s inaugural Florida Strawberry Festival Battle of the Bands, Almost There rocked the roof off of the Wish Farms Soundstage and won the top prize. If your band has what it takes, there’s still time to sign up for the 2020 contest.
“Last year the competition was fierce, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year’s battle,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said. “We are hoping bands of all music genres submit for a truly epic showdown.”
As with last year’s contest, the next battle is open to bands all over central Florida and the winner will get $10,000, a trophy and 25 hours of studio time at All Access Recording. Voting is conducted through social media channels. Early rounds take place in the Publix Entertainment Tent on the grounds and the grand finale, set for 3:30 p.m. March 7, 2020, is held on the Wish Farms Soundstage.
To register and get more information, visit flstrawberryfestival.com. Register by 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
County health officials warn of mosquito-borne illness
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County wants residents to be wary of mosquitoes, which have been causing more disease activity in the county than usual.
Illness concerns have risen since the department confirmed a locally-acquired human case of dengue fever, which causes sickness in one of every four people bitten by a mosquito carrying the disease. Symptoms appear between two and 14 days after the bite and include aches and pains, rashes, nausea and vomiting. Mild cases of the fever can be beaten in about a week with treatment, but anyone whose illness progresses will need urgent medical care. If you are pregnant or have had dengue fever before, you’re at higher risk. Infants are also at an increased risk.
The department reminds residents to follow “drain and cover” procedures to keep mosquitoes away from them and their homes.
According to the department, mosquitoes can multiply using as small a body of water as what can fit in an upturned bottle cap. That’s why it’s important to drain standing water from anything outdoors that can accumulate it: garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, empty flower pots and any other vessel for rain or sprinkler water should be checked and emptied regularly. Bird baths and outdoor pets’ food and water dishes should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week, if not twice, and boats and vehicles should be covered in tarp that doesn’t accumulate water. Full-size swimming pools should be properly maintained and chlorinated, while plastic or inflatable pools should be emptied when not in use.
The department urges people to cover up with long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent when outside during peak mosquito activity hours. Children younger than two months should be protected with mosquito netting. Check your doors, windows and pool cages for broken screens and get them repaired as needed.
Other steps residents can take to help curb the mosquito threat include cleaning out gutters, picking up all cups and beverage containers, changing water in plant trays and hanging plant vessels once a week and clearing out drainage ditches as needed.
Visit floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html for more information.
PC veteran finalist in national contest
Of the 10 United States military veterans left in the national Beacon of Hope contest, one hails from Plant City and could use the community’s help.
Rodney O., 70, is an Army veteran facing a severe roof leak that intensified with August’s constant heavy rainfall. With enough votes, he could be one of five veterans who could get a new roof through the contest. For this annual contest, Beacon Roofing Supply teams with veteran-friendly roofing businesses nationwide to assist with roof repairs and replacements as needed.
Visit go.becn.com/beaconofhope to cast your vote.
Drug Take-Back Day next week
Next Saturday is a national DEA Prescription Drug-Take Back Day event, which enables people around the United States to safely dispose of their old or unused prescription medicines so as to prevent possible drug abuse.
According to the DEA, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs in 2018 and the majority of the drugs were obtained from family and friends. The organization also hosted a take-back day in April, in which 6,258 collection sites received 937,443 pounds of drugs.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26. New take back sites are added to the database daily, so check takebackday.dea.gov to find one closest to you.