Plant City man killed after helicopter crash
A Plant City man died Thursday after an emergency helicopter landing in Tampa went awry, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
A Robinson R44 helicopter piloted by Bryan Thomas Messick, 38, of Bradenton, suffered engine failure and prompted Messick to make an emergency landing on South 50th Street Thursday afternoon. The helicopter skidded on the pavement and crashed into a telephone pole. One of the rotor blades broke off and flew into a Chevrolet Silverado driven by Ryan Anthony Persaud, 35. The impact killed his father, Deodat Persaud Gangapersaud, 72.
No one else involved in the incident, including helicopter passenger Joshua James Wells, 21, was injured.
City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt sets date
The 31st annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt will make the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex the “hoppiest” place in Plant City from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 20.
Youth age 3 to 11 can participate in the egg hunt after the 10 a.m. show by A-1 Magic. There will also be spacewalks, air brushing, balloon art, trackless train rides and photos with the Easter Bunny. Though many of the activities require “Bunny Bucks” that can be purchased at the sports complex, all youth 11 and under can get a free hot dog and drink courtesy of Toufayan Bakeries and the Plant City Optimist Club.
Sponsors for the event include Global Sports Alliance, Plant City Noon Rotary Club, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Plant City, Publix Super Markets, Sedita Kilton & Co. CPAs, Hillsborough Title, Happy Kids Inflatables, Sonic Drive-In, PCHS Key Club, Family Bowl, Toufayan Bakeries, Plant City Optimist Club and the Friends of Recreation & Parks.
The sports complex is located at 2402 E. Cherry St. For more information, call Tim Hanlon at 813-659-4200 ext. 4311.
Register for Lots of Hugs program
Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp is just a few months away and registration is open.
The camp is designed to increase reading level and character development in youth age 6 to 14. Programs offered by the camp include the “Just Read” literacy program, writing courses, educational field trips and water safety lessons. Healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks are served at the camp.
The 10-week program runs from June 3 through August 2 and is held from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Registration costs $80 per child and is payable through cash, check or money order. Applications may be downloaded and printed from www.celebration2.homestead.com. Contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134 or email sharonmoody91@yahoo.com for more information.
Camp Extravaganza at PC YMCA
April 27 at the Plant City Family YMCA looks to be a fun one for the kids.
The Y will host its Camp Extravaganza in conjunction with Healthy Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids and parents are welcome to stop by to learn all about the Y’s summer camp offerings and check out the games, music and other fun activities on deck. The event is free.
ITINERARY
10 a.m.: Pool relays
10:30 a.m.: Mini Camp on the sports field
11 a.m.: Family Zumba on the pool deck
11:30 a.m.: Sports Activities on the sports field
12 p.m.: Hot dogs and chips served (must pick up food ticket by 10:40 a.m.)