Sharing The Road With School Buses
As students get ready to head back to school, The Plant City Police Department would like to remind residents to be extra cautious and alert around school buses, crossings and bus stops. Remember that vehicles traveling in BOTH directions on two-lane roads and multi-lane paved roads must stop for a school bus with flashing lights and STOP arms extended. Penalties for passing a stopped school bus include: moving violation subject to citation, requirement to complete a basic Driver Improvement Course upon conviction, four points on your driver license and a minimum fine of $165. Review school bus safety tips for motorists and more at flhsmv.gov.
Plant City Rotary Welcomes New Members
The Plant City Rotary Club inducted two new members to its organization, whose motto is Service Above Self. Commissioner Mary Mathis and Executive Director of Plant City Main Street Dawn Hyatt were welcomed to the help continue its mission to work selflessly to help the club grow as it actively participates in community events and provides financial support to local, national and international charities.
Gary and Nick Wishnatzki “Arrested” At Wheelchairs 4 Kids Annual Jail & Bail Event
The notorious duo, Gary “The Head Pixie” and Nick “Wish-Nasty” Wishnazki, were arrested for Berry Trafficking at last week’s Wheelchair 4 Kids’ annual Jail and Bail event, hosted by Eddie V’s. With utter disregard for the highly addictive nature of their fruit, they were caught passing out samples of Wish Farms strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and pineberries to the general public. The felons were brought before honorary judge, Fox 13’s Charley Belcher, and told if they could pay their bail they’d be released. In the weeks leading up to the event, all participants fundraised their “bail money” by sharing their crime stories with friends and family. The Wishnazkis raised $10,500 in bail money with the support of 26 donors.
This year’s event raised $195,000 for Wheelchairs 4 Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications as well as other assistive equipment at no charge to families through their Let’s Roll Program.
TECO Offers Full Scholarships For New Line Work Training Program
TECO has teamed up with Hillsborough Community College (HCC) to offer its new Electrical Line Worker Training Program for those wanting to kickstart a career in the electric utility industry.
Dr. Deborah Kish, the HCC Brandon campus president, said Tampa Electric’s support, both financially and as a program advisor, is “absolutely crucial for us to provide this vital training.”
Qualifying students will have the opportunity to learn fundamental skills needed to become a line worker trainee in the electric utility industry. Tampa Electric initially pledged more than $300,000 for scholarships and program equipment through its Workforce Development Fund, meaning more folks who couldn’t afford this training before can now pursue their dreams by taking advantage of scholarship support.
The program is a four-month journey packed with 420 hours of training. Once completed, students will earn certifications in OSHA 10-hour, Bucket Truck Rescue, CPR & Automated External Defibrillator use, Pole-Top Rescue and First Aid.
“We rely on skilled line workers to safely and reliably maintain our electric grid and to engage with our customers in the community,” said Tampa Electric’s President and CEO Archie Collins. “This program will help to diversify the pool of candidates that we draw from to sustain our team of line workers into the future.”
To learn more about the program, which is scheduled to begin fall 2023, visit tampatraining.com/Electrical-Line-Worker.