FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
VOLUME 11, NO. 35
PLANT CITY POLICE CHIEF JAMES BRADFORD RESIGNS The city begins nationwide search for his replacement. MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
Plant City has begun its search for a new police chief following Police Chief James Bradford’s announcement that he has resigned, citing a desire to move out of state to be closer to family. Bradford’s last day will be May 30.
His decision to step down from his role as Police Chief comes as a surprise to many in the community, who have grown accustomed to his leadership and commitment to public safety. Bradford was hired in mid-November 2020 to fill the role of chief following Chief Ed Duncan’s announcement that he planned to retire at the end of 2020. More than 80 applicants for the position were submitted, and, after it was narrowed down to four, the city hosted a public
PLANT CITY ELKS MAKE DONATION TO BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY
THE DONATION WAS USED TO PURCHASE BOOKS FOR ITS MOBILE LIBRARY. MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
How many books can $4,000 buy? Paul Shaver, Director of Library Services at Bruton Memorial Library, knows the answer: 412. The book donation was a result of a $4,000 matching grant the Elks Lodge received from the Florida State Elks Association following the group securing a $4,000 Beacon Grant it won from the Elks National Foundation to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. While the money from the Beacon Grant was spoken for, the money from the matching grant could be used for another project. “One of our members brought it up at a board meeting that the library could use new books,” said Elks Exalter Ruler George Domedion. “The board voted to use the grant for that purpose. It was taken to the floor of the lodge, and the body of the lodge voted to do that with the grant.” An Elks member contacted Shaver, who had been working on a mobile library outreach program that goes out into the community, to schools and events, helping residents sign up for library cards and distributing donated books.
He wanted to expand the program so that books dedicated specifically for the mobile library would be available for people, particularly young adults, to check out. After discussing what type of books would be best suited for the program, Elks members decided the funds should be spent on books about history, patriotism and science. “Books we definitely wanted to distribute were anything in the STEM field, books to help people understand history and civic responsibility and what it means to be citizens,” said Shaver. “The books are in-line with the Elks mission too and so it was a win-win.” The Library purchased the books and Elks members presented the check to Shaver this week. “It can be difficult to raise funds for books that we’re not going to circulate in-house so we’re appreciative of this donation because now we can check out books off-site,” said Shaver. Library staff will have iPads and laptops on hand while at mobile events so patrons can check out the new books. For more information about Bruton Memorial Library visit plantcitygov.com/library. For more information about the Elks Lodge visit elks.org/ lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=1727.
meet-and-greet with each candidate. City Manager Bill McDaniel extended the offer to Bradford, who had worked for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for 31 years, a few days later. “My faith in God is deep and my wife and I prayed about it and talked about it and the Lord opened up every single door for me to come here so I took the job,” said Bradford.
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COMMISSIONER MATHIS WINS NEW TERM MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
Campaigning for reelection won’t be an issue for Plant City Commissioner and Vice-Mayor Mary Mathis, whose term was set to expire in June. She’ll get another three-year term because no one filed to run against her. The reelection of Mathis, who has been serving as a city commissioner since 2000, follows the unopposed reelection of Commissioner Dodson and the reelection of Commissioner Sparkman after defeating attorney Jeremy Griner last year. Those who wished to challenge Mathis had from noon on Feb 12 to noon on Feb. 16 to file campaign paperwork declaring their candidacy. Since no one did, Mathis will be sworn in to a new term on June 10. Mathis grew up in Plant City and graduated from Plant City High School in 1975. She attended college in Georgia, graduating from Clark College-now known as Clark Atlanta University- in 1980 with a history degree and minor in education. She returned to Plant City, where, after a brief stint in sales at Maas Brothers department store, she secured her first teaching position educating young minds at Turkey Creek Junior High School. After an illustrious 35-year career with the school district, after working as a teacher and administrator at several schools before becoming a supervisor in the district’s transformation department, Mathis retired in 2019. When news came via a phone call by City Clerk Kerri Miller that she her seat was uncontested, she was overwhelmed with a sense of
gratitude for being able to serve the community she loves. “I am extremely honored to serve the community I’ve lived in all my life except for the time I went to college,” said Mathis. She said she couldn’t do it without plenty of support from those closest to her. “I give honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my husband and family for their support.” Residents can often find her husband, Tony, by her side as she dutifully attends events as a municipal representative. When asked what her top priorities are this term, she cited the city’s growing footprint. “Plant City is growing but we need to make sure that as we grow we’re very strategic in how we grow,” she said. When asked why she has served as a city commissioner for more than two decades, first filling the seat vacated by her mentor Sadye Gibbs Martin upon her death, there was no hesitation in her quick response. “I love Plant City,” she said.