National Guard members from Plant City who had been deployed to the Middle East will return home Sunday afternoon at a community event at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
More than 200 soldiers will enjoy the event with their families, friends and fellow community members at 1 p.m. Jan. 5, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.
Walden Lake resident Shelly Orrico has been working with the Plant City Armory’s rear detatchment and the festival board to help get ready for the homecoming. Orrico said the guardsmen originally weren’t supposed to return until Jan. 13.
“They will have a police escort when they get on I-75 that will continue up to the fairgrounds,” she said. “Many businesses have donated supplies, and we have a lot of volunteers coming at 11 a.m. to help pass out flags, park cars and hand out food and beverages.
“The governor is supposed to come, (as well as) many community dignitaries,” Orrico said. “We expect at least 1,500 people to show up.”
“It is so important that we show our National Guard members and all our troops how much we appreciate their service to our country,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “We want as many families in Plant City as possible to come line the street, wave an American flag and welcome our heroes home.”
The event is being organized by the Florida Strawberry Festival, Publix Super Markets and Tampa Electric Company.
“This is the least we can do for our service members,” Davis said. “It’s going to be a happy day for a lot families.”
If anyone wishes to volunteer with this event, please email Shelly Orrico, danorrico@gmail.com.