Mandatory Orientation Dates Released For Queen’s Pageant
Is your daughter interested in competing in January’s Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant? If so, there are three mandatory orientation dates (must attend one) happening Oct. 22 at 3 p.m., Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. or Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Arthur Boring Civic Center, located at the corner of W. Reynolds St. and N. Edwards St. New boundaries were drawn this year so more girls will qualify for the pageant. If your permanent address is within the Strawberry Crest, Plant City or Durant High School boundaries, you’re now eligible to participate. For more information visit flstrawberryfestival.com or plantcitylions.org or contact Gail Lyons at 813-967-6366.
GFWC of Plant City Seeks Help Reaching Goal of Making 100 Afghans
The GFWC of Plant City has almost reached its goal of making 100 afghans for Camp Boggy Creek, a camp in Eustis for seriously ill children. Currently, the club has collected 70 afghans. They are asking the public to assist them meet their goal by donating an afghan or donating yarn so they can continue to create the handmade treasures. The GFWC of Plant City meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1110 N. Wheeler Street. Additional groups working on afghans include the Knotty Girls of Thonotosassa, the St. Clement’s Crafter, the Knitters & Knotters and the Knitty Witty Hookers. To donate yarn or an afghan or learn to how crochet or knit, call Christine Stark at 813-798-2228.
Nominations Now Open For 2024 Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame
Know a woman living in Hillsborough County who’s made a significant contribution in business, education, philanthropy, the military or public service to improve the lives of residents in Hillsborough County? Nominate her for the 2024 Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame. The Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting nomination forms, which are available at HCFLGov.net/WHOF. Nominations will be accepted until Mon., Nov. 13 at 5 p.m.
Mayor Nate Kilton Proclaims October Safe Sleep Awareness Month
Mayor Nate Kilton proclaimed October as Safe Sleep Awareness Month in this week’s city commission meeting. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, infants are 40 percent more likely to die in an adult bed than in their own crib. Parents are encouraged to know the ABCs of sleep: ensure infants sleep Alone on their Backs in a Crib with a firm mattress with tightly fitted sheets and free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads and stuffed animals.
William Thomas Signs Scholarship Certificates
William Thomas, chairman of Hillsborough County Social Services Community Action Board, ceremoniously signed several dozen scholarship certificates this week at Plant City’s Community Resource Center. Forty-six local high school seniors won scholarships, worth up to $5,000 each, this year to continue their post-secondary education at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities. “My pain point is we only had one or two Plant City students apply for this scholarship,” said Thomas, who hopes that will change this year.
For more information about the scholarship call (813) 272-5220.
Rita Staffing Celebrates 50 Years With Ribbon Cutting
Rita Staffing celebrated 50 years in business with a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. The company is one of Central Florida’s largest staffing solutions providers, connecting hundreds of employers with thousands of people seeking rewarding careers.
Epsilon Beta Zeta To Celebrate 70 Years
On Sat., Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Epsilon Beta Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will be celebrating its seventieth anniversary serving Plant City at the Glover Historic School in Bealsville. The open house will feature a showcase of its history, music, prizes and an opportunity to meet members of the organization. For more information visit https://plantcityzetas.wixsite.com/epsilonbetazeta.