New hires at PCPD
Plant City Police Department’s staff officially grew on Nov. 1 when three new officers were sworn in at PCPD headquarters.
Two of the officers have prior experience: Gregory Nelsen came to Plant City after eight years with Florida Highway Patrol, and Daniel Hernandez came after two years with Vero Beach Police Department. The third, Jeremy Riolo, will start his law enforcement career with PCPD.
According to Sgt. Al Van Duyne, one of the hires fills a vacancy and the other two were hired as part of the four positions added by the 2019-20 budget. Van Duyne said PCPD will try to fill the other two open positions in January.
Local church to feed homeless, needy families
Pentecostal Church of God of Jesus Christ, Inc. wants local families in need and homeless people to know they can get a helping hand next weekend.
The church, located at 1506 E. Renfro St., is hosting a Thanksgiving feast from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 to make sure anyone in need of a fulfilling meal, clothes, blankets and toiletry items can be served.
For more information about the event, contact the church at 813-754-9734 or email pcogpc@verizon.net.
County offers diabetes prevention program
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is now offering a prevention program for anyone looking to reduce their odds of developing Type 2 diabetes.
This free program links up participants with trained lifestyle coaches to help them lose weight and adopt healthy eating and living habits. According to a news release provided by the department, program participants can lose five to seven percent of their weight and thus prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. The program consists of 24 to 26 one-hour classes offered once a week for the first four months and once to twice per month for the following six months.
To enroll in the program, participants must be overweight and at risk of developing diabetes. Classes are limited to approximately 15 people.
The department said risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being age 45 or older, having a family member with diabetes, having had gestational diabetes while pregnant, being physically active less than three times per week and having a family background of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American-Indian, Asian-American or Pacific-Islander.
Plant City residents can take the class at the United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 E. Alsobrook St. Suite H, starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 10.
Call 813-559-4188 or email programinfo@flhealth.gov if interested in enrolling.
Mom & Son Night of Fun announced
The Plant City Recreation & Parks Department announced Tuesday its upcoming Mom & Son Night of Fun event.
It’s going to be a night at the movies at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St., for moms and their boys (age 5 and up). There will be catered dinner and a show, as well as candy, popcorn, drinks and a photo booth.
The cost to sign up is $35 per couple and $10 for each additional son. Sign up at the rec center by Nov. 26. Contact Recreation Supervisor Maggie Morona at mmorona@plantcitygov.com or the Planteen Recreation Center at 813-659-4256 for more information.
Donate to UFBPC at the Observer
The Plant City Observer is proud to be a drop-off location for the United Food Bank of Plant City. Please show your support and help local families in need by donating non-perishable and canned food items at 1507 S. Alexander St. Suite 103.