Scouts ready for return this fall
Sign ups are starting for scouts in Plant City!
Pack 734 and Pack 744 are both open to boys and girls, age kindergarten through fifth grade.
Pack 734 will meet Mondays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cork Methodist Church, 4815 W Sam Allen Road. For more info, contact either Travis Jenkins at tcjenkins86@gmail.com, Claude Carter at cbandmcarter@gmail.com or 813-418-1631; Pack web site: pack734.info
Pack 744, will meet Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. 303 N Evers St.. For more info, contact Matthew Nickerson at 352-442-4217 or m52nickerson@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/groups/bsacubscoutpack744
Boy Troop 734 is open to boys 6th grade to 18 years old. The troop meets 7:30 9 p.m. every Monday at Cork Methodist Church, 4815 W Sam Allen Rd. For more information please contact scoutmaster@troop734.info.
High adventure Crew 734 is open to all teens 14 and up. They will meet on Thursdays at Cork Methodist. For more information please contact committeechair@crew734.info.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office adds less lethal device
Following a successful pilot program, with testing that began in April 2021, HCSO has announced the launch of a less lethal, de-escalation device called the BolaWrap.
The BolaWrap is a device that has the ability to detain an individual who is a threat to themselves, deputies, or the community without harm. The hand-held device features a remotely-launched Kevlar tether that wraps around an individual’s body. The BolaWrap can be deployed from up to 25 feet away, a feature that allows deputies to maintain a safe distance while still restraining the subject before a confrontation escalates and requires a higher level of force. When deployed, the device also makes a loud sound, which could potentially serve as a distraction as deputies work to detain an individual.
“By adding this new, less lethal resource to the menu of options for deputies, we can quickly and effectively de-escalate a dangerous situation,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “I am thankful we have the opportunity to implement the BolaWrap as a safe alternative that will compliment our desire to bring a peaceful resolution to every encounter.”
HCSO will be implementing 165 BolaWraps, supplying the device to select patrol deputies, the Behavioral Resources Unit, and Street Crimes Units in every district
Youth flag football registration begins
Registration is under way for the 55th season of the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department/Optimist Youth Flag Football Program. The P.C.P.R.D./Optimist Youth Flag Football Program is for all area boys and girls ages four to 15, as of Nov. 1, 2021, and a birth certificate is required for registration. The program is for youths who want to play in an atmosphere of fair play and good sportsmanship.
Games are on Saturday mornings for co-ed ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11-12, 13-14-15 at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 East Cherry Street. No hard pads or helmets are allowed and the league will not include practices or coaches. Teams meet each week and “instructing officials” are assigned to the teams to ensure each player carries or catches the ball, subs are rotated evenly and assist in play calling if needed. Parks and Rec will provide basic training in football skills and rules along with positive leadership to build the character and overall citizenship of the players.
All who wish to participate must register by Sep. 1 to be guaranteed a place on a team and the season will run from Sep. 18 through Nov. 6. The cost is $37 per player for the eight-game season which includes their jersey and accident insurance. Register now thru Wednesday September 1 at the Parks & Recreation Department administrative office, 1904 South Park Road, phone 813-659-4255. For more information, click the program link above or call 813-659-4255.