The Plant City Dolphins youth football and cheerleading organization honored their longtime president Saturday for Buddy Bennett Appreciation night.
The event was held at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, the home field of the Dolphins. The night featured fun, fellowship and raffles.
Bennett, who has served as the president of the Dolphins for 18 years, was diagnosed with colon cancer in February.
“I truly feel like the Dolphins are a family, and Buddy is the centerpiece of that,” said Eric Lawson, one of the event organizers.
Former mayor and current city councilman Mike Sparkman was on hand to announce that the field at the complex will be renamed Buddy Bennett Field. The proclamation will become official at the city commission meeting Sept. 9.
Several coaches and Dolphins supporters gave addresses honoring Bennett.
“As long as he’s here, I’ll be here,” said Tate Whatley, a coach that lives miles closer to the Dover Patriots and Turkey Creek Trojans. “There’s nothing bad you can say about the man.”