The start of the 2018-19 school year was also a busy time for Plant City even beyond the ridiculous amount of rains that caused flooding and other problems.
Results from the Walden Lake Resident Advisory Council survey were released to the public, starting up a lengthy wave of discussion. City commissioners announced the XFL would come to Plant City, which would host the Tampa Bay Vipers at Plant City Stadium starting in December. Mt. Olive Baptist Church kickstarted the Ginger Jewelz Group program to help local students with a school supply giveaway event in honor of late educator Ginger Bennett Forté. Ground broke for the new Sadye Gibbs Martin Recreation Center, which will replace the old MLK Recreation Center that was damaged during Hurricane Irma. Gary Graham took over as Durant High School’s principal after Pam Bowden, then the longest-serving principal in Hillsborough County, retired. The Crossing Church started up a Plant City location near Midtown and Roots Tap Room & Wine Bar opened its doors as the month came to a close.
The Florida Strawberry Festival also announced the official theme of its 2020 event: “Our Perfect Vision.”