FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
VOLUME 11, NO. 34
CITY COMMISSION GIVES CITY MANAGER GREEN LIGHT TO SPEARHEAD MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL PROJECT Commissioners hope to bring additional agencies to the table to address flooding issues affecting rural residents. MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
During Monday night’s commission meeting, Commissioner Sparkman spoke up about the flooding concerns facing local residents living near the Itchepackesassa Creek, Blackwater Creek and Wiggins Prairie Mitigation Bank. “There’s been a lot of talk, the people in the area of Charlie Taylor Road and all that flooding, we saw those devastating pictures and by good faith we need to support them,” he said.
YOUNG EAGLES SOAR AT PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
MORE THAN 110 YOUTH EXPERIENCED THE MAGIC OF FLIGHT AT THE ANNUAL EVENT. Brother Jacob and Ryan Price, who also took a Young MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
For McKenna Endres, being able to take her second Young Eagles flight at Planes, Trains and Automobiles last weekend was an experience she’ll never forget. “The pilot was so nice and even allowed me to do takeoff so that was really exciting,” she said. The experience was another confirmation of her goal: to obtain her pilot’s license and join the Air Force. “I’m so glad I got to experience this,” said Endres.
Eagle flight, were mesmerized by the instrument panel and the view of the ground from the large windows. “It was pretty cool to get up there and just see more than you would on a commercial flight,” said Ryan. The event hosted 110 youth who were able to take a Young Eagles flight, a program that started in 1992 with Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)-member pilots volunteering time to fly kids age 8-17 to introduce them to the world of flight.
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Sparkman was referring to January’s six hour-long commission meeting, when residents expressed concerns that an industrial project on Swindell Road would increase flooding in the already flood-prone area
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PLANT CITY CELEBRATES BLACK HERITAGE THE KICKOFF EVENT FOR THE 21ST ANNUAL PLANT CITY BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION SERVES AS A REMINDER OF THE ENDURING LEGACY OF BLACK HERITAGE.
In a night filled with laughter, recognition and the savory aroma of soul food, the 21st Annual Black Heritage Gala illuminated the rich tapestry of African American culture showcasing the contributions of individuals in the arts and honoring community leaders who have made a lasting impact. Hosted at HCC’s Trinkle Center, the gala unfolded as a celebration of resilience, creativity and unity, with attendees gathering to honor the achievements of their
peers and pay homage to the legacy of black heritage. At the heart of the event was a lineup of talented performers, which included Tampa-based songstress Lena Morisseau, who sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as “The Black National Anthem,” and Vanessa Williams’ “Save the Best for Last.” The keynote speaker was DeWayne Hill, whose witty humor and crafty magic tricks elicited roars of laughter from the audience.
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