12.29.22 PLCO

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The presents have been opened, carols sung, eggnog consumed and now we languish in the days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Whether you plan to usher in the new year at a large public gathering or a small intimate affair with family and friends, it’s a time to note the passage of time with both reflection on the past and anticipation of the future.

The ancient Romans derived the name for the month of January from their god Janus, who had two faces, one looking

backward and the other forward, a befitting symbol of our desire to reflect on this year’s accomplishments (some of which we’re highlighting in this paper) and to make resolutions and goals to improve ourselves in the new year.

Hope for a better life is not a new concept. The late American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”

Whether each of us chooses to make resolutions or not, as the clock strikes

midnight and the new year begins, we may cheer, make a toast, kiss loved ones, shoot off fireworks or sing the ballad “Auld Lang Syne”, a Scottish folk song translated into English as Old Long Since whose lyrics are about old friends having a drink and recalling adventures they had long ago. While we may each live different lives, our hopes are all the same: for a new year filled with life, health and happiness.

Mayor Nate Kilton said celebrating New Year’s Eve is about spending quality time with family and friends but as a community leader he also reflects on

Plant City’s past and future. “We saw a lot of success in all areas of our community in 2022 and I expect nothing different for 2023,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have an outstanding leadership team in our city government and huge support from the many nonprofit organizations and citizens.”

The staff at the Plant City Observer would like to thank our loyal readers who open our newspaper or sign-in online to stay informed about what’s happening here in our own backyards. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

JANUARY FEBRUARY 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

Plant City kicked off their 022 New Year with the yearly return of the city’s 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Cultural Arts Festival, an event that saw marching bands and flats and spectators fill the treets of Plant City as the parade made its way through town and down to the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. The community center then hosted several food vendors as local drumline bands performed in a Battle of the Bands, kicking off a multiweek celebration leading up to MLK Day. The following week, the festival held their Leadership Breakfast where awards were handed out to several community leaders before eight local Plant City students received scholarships funded by the John Dicks Family Foundation, the Mosaic Company, Wish Farms and Tipsy Bookworm.

And on Monday, Jan. 17, the festival wrapped up with a special recognition for local veterans, held at the Bing Rooming House Museum.

January also saw ChiliFest warm up a cool day at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, winners crowned for the Plant City Junior Royalty and Strawberry Queen’s Pageant and a bill passed that would later name the strawberry shortcake as Florida’s officialtate dessert.

Details were provided regarding Plant City’s annual budget, with a majority of their $91.2 million in appropriated funds for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 largely focusing on Plant City’s general fund, aimed at city departments including Parks & Recreation, police and fie rescue, administration, development services and local libraries. Additionally, primary focuses for the annual budget included improvements to management of the newly-completed McIntosh Preserve, new city vehicles for several departments, over 84 miles of city roads to be resurfaced and Plant City’s Cart-To-Curb garbage-collecting system. In sports, Durant and Plant City met in a

late season rivalry matchup on the court, with both Plant City’s boys and girls taking home victories as the teams prepared for district tournaments the following month. Concluding the high school soccer seasons, Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest all saw their seasons end for both the boys and girls teams in their respective district tournaments.

February brought more fun and celebration to Plant City, starting with an “Evening on Evers Street,” a fundraising event sponsored by Wish Farms that shut down the bustling downtown street for the evening as the community gathered together and raised money for the United Food Bank of Plant City. The event featured live music, a catered dinner, raffles and local businesses all lighting up the night.

The following week, long-time city employee and newly-appointed assistant city manager Jack Holland was named 2022 Citizen of the Year at the 63rd Annual Awards Luncheon. And later in the month, Jason Jones was named Plant City’s newest city commissioner following Rick Lott’s announcement that he would not be seeking another term as mayor.

Across town, Fazoli’s made it’s grand re-opening, Achieve Plant City raised over $40,000 at their wine tasting fundraiser to assist in funding local schools with supplies and other educational materials and Plant City Police announced a new plan to outfit their fficers with body cameras later in the year.

To begin the month, the cheer teams from Strawberry Crest, Plant City and Durant all made their way to Gainesville for the state championship, with Plant City taking home their fist cheer state championship in school history while Strawberry Crest earned their jaw-dropping eighth consecutive state title. Plant City’s boys basketball team reached their district final ultimately finishing the tournament as district runner up, while Durant’s girls toppled Newsome to claim a district championship, both earning a regional quarterfinal apearance. All three schools saw their baseball and softball seasons kick off in February as well, with Plant City’s Adan Longoria highlighting the fist week of play with a no-hit performance against Middleton to open the Raiders’ year.

MARCH

As always, March was dominated by Plant City’s annual attraction, the 87th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival. 2022’s installment saw massive crowds take over the winter strawberry capitol of the world throughout the 11-day event, with new foods, attractions and headline entertainment back at the Wish Farms SoundStage after the festival saw their headline acts cancelled in 2021. With classic favorites like the Oak Ridge Boys, the Bellamy Brothers, Lee Greenwood and Boys II Men joining more modern stars such as Sam Hunt, Cole Swindell and Plant City native Kenzie Wheeler, the festival was back in full force. And at the yearly Grand Parade, bands and businesses, cars, trucks, flats and walking participants flooded the lined treets of Plant City, led by Wheeler as the Grand Marshal.

As part of the festival, Florida governor Ron DeSantis made a stop by the festival grounds as he officiall signed a bill into law that named strawberry shortcake the official ssert of Florida.

Following the festival, Stingray Chevrolet gave away a brand new Corvette to the winner of their annual raffle and annoued a recordbreaking $360,000 donation to Unity in the Community. And shortly after long-time city employee Jack Hollard transitioned to his new role as assistant city manager, Julie Garretson was named Plant City’s newest director of Parks & Recreation.

In sports, Durant, Strawberry Crest and Plant City baseball all kept rolling along with their winning seasons while the Plant City also made waves as former Buccaneers fist round draft pick Michael Clayton was announced as the Raiders’ newest head football coach.

MAYWith the summer months upcoming, the Plant City YMCA was granted a $10,000 donation in May that allowed them to provide free swim lessons to fist grade students and water safety lessons to kindergarten and second grade students from Knights Elementary. And after being named queen during Plant City’s Junior Royalty pageant in January, Durant sophomore Kennedie Clinton prepared for the Miss Florida Teen USA pageant later in the month. In Plant City’s Little Miss Plant City Pageant, Shyla Stanaland was named queen.

After 28 years serving the Plant City area, local company Alan’s Air Conditioning became one of 10 air conditioning services in the country to receive Ruud Air Conditioning’s Pro Partner award for their work in 2021.

Around town, Plant City Police got out to have some fun with kids in the community as they participated in a new Cops vs. Kids kickball game at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. Plant City’s Relay For Life made its return to the Strawberry Festival grounds after a two-year hiatus, raising nearly $100,000, and the city announced a three-day celebration of Juneteenth, with special worship services,

Plant City native Brendan Smith finished his journy through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest, winning the national championship for the 12-13 year old boys age group in Chicago — representing an Elks Lodge in Marietta, Ga. after moving from Plant City earlier in the year — to earn his spot in a brand new digital exhibit at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. After being swept in the season series, Durant baseball topped Plant City in their regional semifinalbefore claiming the district title over Newsome and Strawberry Crest claimed district titles in both baseball and softball, with baseball advancing through to a regional final apparance. Strawberry Crest’s softball coach Ashton Johnson was subsequently named Coach of the Year for Hillsborough County’s Western Conference National Division, her second Coach of the Year award over her two years at Crest.

At the end of May, seniors from Plant City, Durant, Strawberry Crest and Simmons Career Center all walked across the stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds for their respective graduations.

APRIL

To celebrate National Library Week in early April, the Plant City Library Foundation invited members of the community to come out and see a renovated Bruton Memorial Library as new Library Services Director Paul Shaver was also formally introduced. Plant City Main Street also began a new direction as Dawn Hyatt stepped into the organization’s executive director role.

As Easter drew near, Plant City Parks & Rec hosted their 33rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex as dozens of kids came out in search of the 10,000 eggs hidden throughout the area, also featuring food, bounce houses, train rides and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Later in the month, the 10th Annual Dean’s Ride fundraiser took place at Keel Farm, an event that features four different cycling distances as one of the Plant City YMCA’s largest annual fundraisers, with all proceeds going directly to the Y in support of programs like LIVESTRONG, a free wellness program for cancer survivors, as well as other programs for their members and the local community. The event featured 212 participants, raising over $11,000.

Plant City High School’s track and field eam earned 14 district championships and 23 regional qualifies at the district championship meet, finishing second in cumulative points behind only Lakeland’s George Jenkins. And in a late-season series, Plant City and Durant baseball met on back-to-back nights where the Raiders were able to win both contests and lock up the district’s second seed heading into the district tournament, with Durant following behind as the third seed. Strawberry Crest softball rattled off a si-game win streak throughout the month of April to sit at 12-5 heading into May.

JUNE

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 evironment.

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 7 in a field f 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 selflssly running into a burning house while on an evening walk to rescue a young boy.

In summer sports, Plant City High School’s Unified asketball 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.

Courtesy photo

an inaugural Juneteeth Parade and several other events throughout the weekend in mid-June.

JANUARY 17

THE BIG BOOM 600 block of Charlie Taylor Rd.

Grand theft/criminal mischief: Officers met with the site manager at the listed location who advised them that an unknown suspect had moved/attempted to steal a boom lift valued at $90,000 and that it got stuck in the sand over the weekend. Damage was done to the lift in the process.

FEBRUARY 2

GAS GUZZLER

2000 block of N. Wheeler St.

Theft: Officers met with an employee at the listed location who advised them that $922.50 worth of gas had been stolen on Feb. 1.

FEBRUARY 4

THROUGH THE FIRE AND FLAMES

E. Reynolds St. / N. Palmer St.

Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to several city trash cans on fie in the downtown area.

FEBRUARY 12

WIRE YOU DOING THIS?

3200 block of S. Frontage Rd.

Business burglary: Officers met with the victim who advised them that someone had entered the company’s locked steel trailer and stolen 12 spools of wiring, adding up to a total value of $2,000.

FEBRUARY 21

GONE WITH THE SCHWINN

1800 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Theft: Officers responded to the business at the listed location and met with the victim who reported the theft of a bicycle and $6.

MARCH 24

SUGAR RUSH

2000 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the business at the listed location in reference to a criminal mischief complaint where a glass cookie case was broken.

APRIL 6

COOL RUNNINGS

3900 block of Capri Coast Dr. Theft: Officers met with a complainant at the listed location who advised them that someone stole an air conditioning unit, valued at $3,000, and an AC condenser, valued at $3,000, from a house currently under construction.

MAY 3

A LONG WAY FROM HOME

300 block of N. Frontage Rd. Stolen semi-trailer recovery: An officer responded to the listed location in reference to a located stolen semi-trailer. The trailer was stolen from Fresno, Cali. on March 24 and was confirmed y the Fresno Police Department.

MAY 13

WINDOW PAINS

300 block of Park Springs Cr. Criminal mischief: Officers responded to an apartment complex at the listed location in reference to a suspicious persons complaint. Upon arrival, an officer discovered that a window had been broken.

JULY 3

BUSINESS BATTLE

1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Mutual affay: An officer responded to the business at the listed location in reference to a physical fight beween customers in the parking lot. Upon arrival, the officer observed two females and two males in the parking lot involved in a verbal dispute. After interviewing all parties and reviewing the store’s surveillance video, the officer learned that all four subjects were involved in a mutual affay in the store parking lot prior to officers arriving. The dispute began over two individuals being accused of taking too long in the checkout line and the argument continued into the parking lot before becoming physical. All four subjects signed waivers of prosecution, however store management requested that the two individuals that instigated the confrontation be trespassed.

JULY 21

DE-FENCE-LESS

700 block of S. Frontage Rd.

Criminal mischief: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a cut perimeter chain link fence. According to the reporting individual, a nearby neighbor had cut the fence to retrieve fiewood from the lot. The individual admitted to cutting the fence and trying to repair it. The individual agreed to pay for a professional repair and a waiver of prosecution was signed.

AUGUST 16

WHO WOOD DO THIS

1300 block of W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Theft: Officers made contact with an employee of a business at the listed location who advised that 390 wooden pallets had been stolen from the west side of the building’s parking lot.

SEPTEMBER 27

YOU’LL NEVER CATCH ME, COPPER

3000 block of N. Park Rd. Burglary: An officer met with the complainant who reported the theft of approximately $18,000 worth of copper pipe/tubing from a construction site at the listed location overnight.

NOVEMBER 29

GAS GUZZLER

500 block of N. County Line Rd. Fraud / theft: An officer met with an employee at the listed location who advised an unknown customer received $954.92 worth of diesel and then left without paying.

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CONTACT US

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Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

JULY

The town’s Fourth of July celebration brought out the masses to enjoy the festivities at the Plant City Stadium. It was the 16th annual event which avoided the rain experienced at last year’s celebration and had a spectacular fieworks show. Not only was July 2022 a celebration of Independence Day, but it was also the 10-year anniversary since the Plant City Observer released its fist issue. It began with a vision from the newspaper’s co-owner, Ed Verner, who wanted hyperlocal news coverage for Plant City.

Despite moving forward with the deconstruction of Walden Lake’s former golf course’s facilities, development plans were still in limbo as the most recent plan was opposed by the Plant City Commission with a unanimous vote of 7-0 in March.

Strawberry Crest FFA was represented at the 2022 Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando, where their team of seven freshmen competed and later came away victorious in their Agriculture Issues Forum Leadership Development Event.

Former Plant City High School pitcher Parker Messick was selected 54th overall in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, making him the highest draft pick in Plant City history. Former Durant High School and Florida State pitcher Jonah Scolaro signed with the Chicago White Sox as a nondrafted free agent on July 21, following the conclusion of the 2022 MLB Draft.

Not all news was good this month. A shooting left two dead in the Parkwood Estates in Plant City and a homicide occurred in Dover on July 18.

AUGUST

In Commission news, city officials elected IDP Properties and Solution Source to oversee the plan to develop the Midtown Development Project to create new residential and commercial buildings in the midtown region of Plant City. In other news, Wheeler Street Station, which will be built at the intersection of Wheeler Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, continues to move forward as receiving permits are underway.

The family of former mayor and city commissioner George K. Collins were present at a commission meeting to accept a proclamation honoring him after his passing on May 15.

Later in August the community came out to honor the life of former Plant City Mayor William C. Meriwether who passed away on Aug 1.

The topping-out ceremony for the new South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City occurred as the highest beam was placed at the top of the building, located east of the intersection of East Sam Allen Road and North Park Road.

Ostingers Baseball Academy, a travel baseball team based in Lithia, has had quite the eventful summer as they recently brought home their second national championship of the year. The team is largely composed of local baseball players from Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest High Schools.

SEPTEMBER

The streets of Historic Downtown were filled with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people on Saturday celebrating all things Germany at Plant City Main Street’s inaugural Oktoberfest.

Ninety-one-year-old retired U.S. Marine sergeant and Plant City resident Joe DeMello got a surprise when, seventy years after the Korean War’s Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, he received a box of Tootsie Rolls in the mail, with the label “Tootsie Rolls salutes The Chosin Few. We are proud to have been with you.”

Attendees were present at the AmVets Post 44 in Plant City, to pay homage to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, due to terrorist attacks on the country.

Plant City High School celebrated its 50 year anniversary. Local resident Etta Wetherington also reached a milestone not easily obtained: she celebrated her 100th birthday.

Dr. David Ferry, a dentist who’d been helping his patients maintain and develop beautiful smiles for 46 years, retired from his practice in Plant City.

In football news, Durant High School’s bleachers were packed at its homecoming game against Lennard which it would go on to win 21-7.

OCTOBER

As Hurricane Ian ripped a destructive path through Florida and powerful winds in excess of 50 mph battered Plant City, it became unsafe for rescue vehicles to be dispatched to assist residents with their emergencies. However, just because it was unsafe for emergency vehicles to be deployed didn’t mean that residents stopped requiring assistance. Plant City Police Department deployed its Bearcat to help those in need. After the storm, while many Plant City residents were still without power through the weekend, Danny McIntyre of iImpactPC and pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins of Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries sprung into action to provide warm meals for those in need this past weekend.

As residents were cleaning up after the storm, the Plant City Police Department deployed four officers to North Port to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

The storm caused high school football games to be rescheduled. When the games resumed play, Durant played Sumner and eked out a 14-13 victory. The team would also go on to beat Sickles, Newsome and Riverview in October but fell to Gaither. The Cougars then hosted Newsome and scraped through with a 34-33 win in overtime to claim their fist victory over

the Wolves in four years, along with their fist district title since 2014. Plant City beat Alonso 37-12 early in the month but suffered losses to Plant, Armwood and Strawberry Crest. Strawberry Crest’s football team put up a good fight but lst to Plant, Middleton, Alonso and Riverview but won 14-6 against its matchup with Plant City.

Twenty fie years ago the Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-in rolled into downtown for the fist time. Presented by The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the third-Saturday monthly event celebrated 25 years of bringing classic auto collectors and enthusiasts together to share their passion for vintage rides.

Plant City’s annual Halloween party moved to larger digs. Sponsored by Plant City Parks & Recreation Department, the event was a spirited cauldron of fun featuring trunk-or-treating, a scare zone, games, food and more.

In Strawberry Festival news, the 2023 theme was announced: “We Have a Winner.”

A Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge AnneLeigh Gaylord Moe invalidated the November ballot question seeking to levy a one percent sales tax for 30 years so no tax increase for transportation this year.

November was a busy month as Plant City residents gave back in several ways.

The twelfth annual Empty Bowls Project was held at The Robert Willaford Railroad Museum and McCall Park, where hungry people gathered to pick out hand-crafted bowls made by local schoolchildren and shared a meal together to promote hunger awareness while benefittingThe United Food Bank of Plant City.

Volunteers made their way to four local cemeteries to help Plant City honor veterans as they placed nearly 1,300 flas at the graves of veterans. Plant City residents also celebrated veterans at the TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, where more than 500 guests enjoyed a meal of pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw from The Wooden Spoon.

In football, Durant’s season came to an end following a 42-27 loss to Ocoee in the regional quarterfinal. Plant City

High School football fans received the news that Michael Clayton would not be returning as head coach of the Raiders’ football team.

In business news, Steve Morey was named Plant City Economic Development Council’s (PCEDC) new president and chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Jake Austin, PCEDC’s inaugural CEO who announced his resignation earlier in the month.

The proposed development in Walden Lake is making its way through the Planning Department.

City officials veiled its plans for a three-year road improvement project to fill pothols and repave city streets.

Plant City Police Department announced the retirement of two of its canine officers, Jax and Leto, who have diligently served the citizens of Plant City for seven years.

DECEMBER

It’s unusual to be looking back on December’s events, because the month isn’t done and its still part of our past, present and future. Holiday events were plentiful this month, with lots of goodwill and holiday cheer being spread around Plant City. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Christmas parade ushered in the holiday season. Plant City’s downtown was adorned with brightly lit festive displays. Many organizations hosted toy and clothing drives to benefit loal families. A Plant City single mother received a new car thanks to the generosity of the folks at Stingray Chevrolet. One police officer replaced a veteran’s tattered flas. Walden Lake celebrated its most festively decorated homes.

Plant City hosted its fist ever Wreaths Across America event, recognizing more than 1,000 veterans buried in four of Plant City’s cemeteries with wreaths placed on their tombstones. In business news, City Furniture held its grand opening event, ushering in more jobs for Plant City residents. Plant City Police Department welcome two new canine dogs, Dexter and Odin. Commissioner Bill Dodson was recognized for 20 years of uninterrupted municipal service.

In sports news, high school basketball, volleyball and soccer teams compete for the top spots in their respective divisions.

YEAR IN SPORTS 2022

A look back at local sports in 2022.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

2022 was a thrilling year for sports in the Plant City area. From championships all across high school athletics for Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest — ranging from the district level to the state level — the fun didn’t stop there. From backyard wiffleall tournaments to the AAU Junior Olympics to the 2022 Special Olympics USA games and beyond, here are some of the best moments captured from Plant City area sports this past year.

BEST BET

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

BLUEGRASS JAM!

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. This is an open invitation for local Bluegrass musicians and fans to come to the Krazy Kup loft and jam, clap hands, stomp feet and enjoy! Krazy Kup holds their Bluegrass JAM on the fist Saturday of every month.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3

BEGINNING MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Modern Western Square Dance Lessons, starting on Tuesdays in January. No experience is required and the fist lesson is free, with each additional lesson costing $7. For more information or to register, call Cherylene at 770-825-6513 or the Strawberry Square Dance Center at 813-752-0491.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefis please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to set a specific tim.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

BEGINNING RUMBA CHOREOGRAPHED BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center for Beginning Rumba Choreographed Ballroom Dance Lessons, starting on Fridays in January. No experience is required and each lesson will cost $7 per person, per lesson. For more information or to register, text Cindy at 864-723-6965

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB

MEETING

9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 303 N. Evers St. The Plant City Garden Club will host their monthly meeting at the First United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall. There will be a coffee meet and greet at 9:30, followed by a general meeting at 10. January’s meeting will include guest speaker Kenny Coogan, author and owner of the Carnivorous Plant Nursery. For more information, contact Christy Linke by email at clinke3173@aol.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

OPEN MIC NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Open Mic Night is back at Krazy Kup. Join them for a fun night where you get to be the star of the show. Come out, strut your stuff and show everyone what you’ve got.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Jan. 21, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 CHAMBER GALA 2023

6 to 9 p.m. at 1206 N. Park Rd. The Trinkle Center at HCC’s Plant City campus will play host to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Gala. The event will welcome a new Board of Directors and Chair of the Board, Wesley Joyner, and celebrate the winners of the 2023 Best of Plant City Awards. RSVP is required and admission costs $125 per person, with the reception and cocktail hour beginning a 6 p.m., followed by dinner, the main program and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. In accordance with the 80’s theme, 80’s outfis are highly-encouraged, or semi-formal attire if not. Award voting will open Jan. 5 and run through Jan. 13. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at price points of $600, $900 and $1,200. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, reach out by phone at 813-754-3707 or by email at Matthew@PlantCity.org. To register

Al Giordano

Barbara Tetro

Cecelia Trueman

Lisa Hoover

Laurie Yoho

Albert Burchsted

Cynthia Holt

Stephanie Hrenchir

Dale Tetro