In June, the STEM-focused summer camp Camp Invention returned to the Arthur Boring Civic Center in Plant City for the eighth year, with 127 campers spending the week learning and building in the fun-filled environment.
After being named Miss Dover Teen USA earlier in the year, Strawberry Crest graduate Lauren Abbey represented the Plant City area at the Miss Florida USA pageant, reaching the pageant’s final 17 in a field of over 100 girls from across the state, and Plant City resident Victoria Smude celebrated the release of her new book “The Chonky Alphabet.”
To help combat hunger among senior citizens in the local area, the United Food Bank of Plant City was awarded two generous donations, with $53,250 coming from Sweet Life Farms and Pattersons Companies and $50,000 coming from Mosaic.
Plant City celebrated Juneteeth with a parade and several events running throughout the weekend in mid-June, Nate Kilton was named the next mayor of Plant City following former mayor Rick Lott stepping down earlier in the year and Plant City Police officer Michal Pietrusinski was recognized for selflessly running into a burning house while on an evening walk to rescue a young boy.
In summer sports, Plant City High School’s Unified basketball team represented the state of Florida at the 2022 Special Olympics World Games, then Plant City High School hosted their annual summer basketball camp and Durant announced that alumnus Molly Settles would take over as the newest head coach for the Cougars’ volleyball team.