Fireworks Celebration Safety Tips
While its best to enjoy fireworks when they’re staged by professionals, Plant City residents wishing to celebrate the holidays with a bang on Independence Day should follow these safety tips:
Closely supervise older children, and don’t allow younger children near sparklers or any type of firework.
Keep a bucket of water, a garden hose and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Remain several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not ignite, don’t stand over it to investigate.
Don’t wear loose clothing while using fireworks, never light devices indoors or near dry grass and point fireworks away from homes, brush, leaves and flammable substances.
Pets are often frightened by the loud noises and light displays so it’s best to keep them indoors with familiar sounds from a television or radio.
2023-2024 Plant City Rotary Club President Installed
Last week at Plant City Rotary Club’s annual Installation and Awards Banquet, Bill Hughes was installed as the club’s president for the 2023-2024 year. Hughes has been a rotarian for 10 years and has replaced outgoing president Shawn Jemison (presidents serve a three-year term- one year as secretary, one year as treasurer and president-elect and one year as president). Its new president-elect and treasurer is Kayla Drawdy.
“It’s an honor and a privilege, this particular club is incredible because 25 out of the past 30 presidents are active members and we’ve never had one person serve as president twice,” he said. “I’m excited and looking forward to helping as many people in Plant City as possible.”
Last year, it raised more than $270,000 that was donated back to other community organizations.
At the banquet, Rotarian Shaun Bryant was named 2022-2023 Plant City Rotarian of the Year.
For more information about Plant City Rotary Club visit its Facebook page at Plant City Rotary Club.
Operation Pit Stop To Spay/NeUter 500 Dogs In Hillsborough
The Pet Resource Center and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay each will provide free spay and neuter services, microchips, vaccines and registration for 250 dogs. The program begins July 3 at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and July 1 at the Humane Society; both run through August 15. Residents who bring their dogs to be spayed or neutered as part of Operation Pit Stop will also be registered for a drawing for cash prizes; five winners will be given $1,000 each. For more information or to make an appointment call the Pet Resource Center at (813) 301-PETS (7387) or the Humane Society of Tampa Bay at (813) 252-2023.
Tips To Stay Cool During Heatwave
Plant Citians are waking up Thursday with expected high temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s. Factoring in high humidity, the heat index can reach above 100 degrees, making it more difficult for the body to cool itself. If you work outdoors, it’s critical to remain aware of the heat index and take appropriate precautions. Tips to be prepared, according to floridadisaster.org, include:
Never leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle.
Slowing down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
Dressing in lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drinking plenty of fluids (this doesn’t mean alcoholic beverages).
City Commission Extends Two Proclamations
The City Commission extended two proclamations at this week’s commission meeting. The first recognized July 2023 as Parks and Recreation Month in Plant City. Before taking a photograph with Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson and Special Event Coordinator Ivanna Ibarra, commissioners sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Garretson and thanked her for the work she and her staff are doing to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of the community. “We want to congratulate you on a job well done and for making sure we’re enhancing the quality of life in Plant City for residents of all ages,” said Mayor Nate Kilton.
The second proclamation recognized June 2023 as World Vitiligo Awareness Month in Plant City. Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder that causes loss of pigment from areas of the skin resulting in irregular white spots or patches. The proclamation was accepted by Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group founder Tonja Johnson.
PLANT CITY MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Following information that the Plant City Police Department received on June 27 regarding a subject being in possession of child pornography, Criminal Investigation Division detectives served a search warrant at 144 Oakbrook Lane. With the assistance of HIllsborough County Sheriff’s Office, detectives located child pornography on a device belonging to 40-year-old Gamaliel Santiago-Martinez. Detectives arrested Santiago-Martinez for possession of child pornography and he was booked into the Orient Road Jail. This is an ongoing investigation.
Plant City Playhouse To Hold Auditions For Its Newest Play
The Plant City Playhouse will be holding auditions on Monday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. at 101 N. Thomas Dr. for its newest production,“The Legend of Frankenstein Unleashed!”, a play by Carlton Jones. Eight adult male actors, six adult female actresses and one male child (age eight to 10) are being sought. Those auditioning will be asked to perform a one to two minute monologue as two different characters. For more information visit plantcityentertainment.com.
Bealsville Sets It To Positive
Plant City native and author Beverly Coffee-Vereen held a gathering at the Bealsville Recreation Center last Saturday for a “set it to positive” appreciation day. The well-attended event, in its second year, featured food, fun and a message of remaining positive in tough times. “It’s a reminder to stay positive, you’re going through some rough things but if you can remain positive you got a good chance of making it through all those things with a sound mind,” she said. Plant City resident and event attendee Patricia Love said Vereen’s book, “Set It To Positive,” was inspirational. “Anyone going through things, the book can inspire you,” she said.