PLANT CITY TIMES &
Observer
Mega Sports Camp VBS
SEE PAGE 16.
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 5, NO. 4
FREE
•
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
Commission considers tax increase The tax rate could go up by as much as one mill to support continued focus on infrastructure. SEE PAGE 9
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photos
Plant City home damaged in storm
LEGAL ISSUES PLAGUE COURSE AT
WALDEN LAKE The course’s current management is being sued for nearly $300k in various Hillsborough County suits. SEE PAGE 3
On July 20 a storm hit Plant City causing damage to Angela and Jay Loyd’s home. According to Loyd the roof was ripped off her home and a Go Fund Me page was set up to help the family. According to the National Weather Service, there was no indication of tornadic activity in the area. They did say, however, that any increased wind activity is likely related to downburst winds, which are strong winds that frequently come along with our afternoon thunderstorms. They can cause similar damage to tornadoes, but are different in that they radiate from a central point. Downburst winds are straight-line winds as opposed to the rotating winds of a tornado.
Plant City awarded for quality budget Plant City received the Distinguished Budget Award for the 2016 to 2017 year on Monday at the City Commission meeting. The award promotes a preparation of high quality budget documents and the city had to substantially conform its documents in order to qualify. It is the first time the award has been given to Plant City. Eric Johnson of the Government Finance Officers Association presented the award to Diane Reichard, the chief financial officer for Plant City and April Condo, the budget manager for the city.
Daniel Figueroa IV
Walden Lake’s golf course and clubhouse have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance.
If we grow them, will they come? The future of strawberry farming in Plant City is being threatened by a steady labor shortage and competition from Mexico. SEE PAGE 7
Feeling festive
Knights of Columbus helps pregancy center.
SEE PAGE 12.