COVID-19 numbers were through the roof and health experts pleaded with Americans to remain home if at all possible for the holidays. Many states locked down, but Florida remained open for business. However, the county’s response, including its mask mandate, did tighten right before Christmas.
The Plant City Christmas Parade brought holiday cheer to the masses at the start of the month and people were able to watch the event either in person or from the comfort of their own home thanks to a partnership with the City of Plant City who live streamed the event. Holiday markets, drive-up light displays, toy drives and virtual holiday story telling events all aimed to highlight the joys of the holidays while still keeping people safe.
Christmas is Near, the massive Tampa Christmas celebration, headed to Plant City on Dec. 23 at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. The United Youth Football League’s annual national championship tournament returned to Ellis-Methvin Park.
Santa Sled Festival helped hundreds of families once again. However, one special attendee received the surprise of her life when WWE superstar Titus O’Neil, in a partnership with Stingray Chevrolet, gifted her a new vehicle at the event.
The Varrea Development’s proposed map amendment and the conceptual modifications to its general site development plan were approved by commissioners, shepherding the development into the next step toward completion. Utilizing the CARES Act funding, the City of Plant City put the final touches on massive upgrades to its facilities to ensure the public and its staff were as safe as possible.