CHRISTMAS LANE OPENING UP SOON!
Over 2000 volunteer hours have prepared the winter wonderland full of the magic of Christmas at every turn. With over 1.5 million lights, drawing more than 180,000 watts of power, adorning over 200 Christmas trees from 4 to 40 feet, the scenes are built with lots of love!
Dazzling Larger Than Life Displays • Mr. and Mrs. Claus • Great Light Maze • Tasty Concessions • Live Entertainment • Fun Filled Rides • Kid Zone
Be sure to visit Santa and enjoy the live entertainment! On select nights area performers will entertain on the half hour! Welcome to the winter wonderland at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, 2508 West Oak Avenue.
SIP & SPROUT PLANT FESTIVAL
Skip the chaos of big box stores this holiday season and bring your family to Metals and Nature for a festive and relaxing Small Business Saturday! Join the fun on November 30 to find the perfect plant and plant-inspired gifts for your loved ones (and a little something for yourself, too). Sip, shop, and support local small businesses—all while enjoying the beauty of the garden! Make this holiday season special by shopping small and shopping local. See you there on Saturday, November 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
PIG JAM Winners Announced
This event, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society Professional and Amateur Contest, took place on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23. Along with the barbeque, on the table was $20,000 in prizes. The competition results are below:
Professional Winners:
Grand Champion – Kings BBQ Team ($3,500 check)
Reserve Grand Champion – Shiggin’ Ain’t East ($2,500 check)
Backyard Winners:
Grand Champion – Nuts & Butts ($500 check)
Reserve Grand Champion – Dogpatch Q ($250 check)
USE OF CRUISE LIGHTS ON PLANT CITY POLICE MARKED VEHICLES
The Plant City Police Department is announced that as part of their ongoing commitment to improving safety and efficiency, they are implementing Cruise Lights on newer marked patrol vehicles. This innovative feature, available in new lightbars, will allow officers to use lower-intensity lights when driving at slower speeds or in non-emergency situations. This not only improves visibility but also helps to reduce light pollution while maintaining the high level of presence and security the community deserves. As the fleet is updated, expect to see this enhancement in action as they continue to evolve with the needs of the department and our city.
2024 REELIN’ WITH A RANGER RECAP
The spirit of competition and love for the outdoors were on full display last Saturday, November 16, as anglers and outdoor enthusiasts gathered for the biannual “Reelin’ with a Ranger” event. The highly anticipated fishing derby brought together 20 teams showcasing exceptional skills and sportsmanship, resulting in an impressive total of 37 fish caught throughout the day. The event featured eight exciting trophy categories, including:
First Caught Bass: Team Finatics was hooked early, landing a 1.2 lb, 13-inch bass at 8:33 a.m.—just 3 minutes into the competition!
First Caught Catfish: Team Rainbow Warriors made a splash with a 1.5 lb, 16¾-inch catfish at 9:03 a.m.
First Caught Panfish: Team Bass Bustas reeled in the win at 8:51 a.m. with an 11½-inch, 9 oz panfish.
Most Fish Caught: Team Bait Chasers hooked the prize by reeling in 4 fish.
Biggest Fish Caught by Weight: Team Finatics returned to make waves with a 3.3 lb, 18-inch bass.
Biggest Fish Caught by Length: Team Just Hook’em reeled in the biggest catch, a whopping 18½-inch bass.
Smallest Fish Caught by Length: Team Garvin snagged a win with a 4¾-inch panfish.
Sharp Angler Award: Team Casting Queens wowed everyone with their crown-worthy enthusiasm, earning the title with rods (and crowns) in hand. The event was a reel success, with perfect weather and delicious food provided by Apron Lady Farmhouse. Don’t miss out next time! The spring “Reelin’ with a Ranger” is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. until10:30 a.m.. With new memories waiting to be made and plenty of fish tales to tell, it’s an event you won’t want to miss! If you would like to become a vendor or sponsor this event please email Special Events Coordinator, Ivanna Ibarra at iyibarra@plantcitygov.com.