Observer Staff
The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department updated its park closure policies on March 27 in a move that will benefit the community.
Though city parks are still closed, the PCRPD has re-opened the walking trails at Brewer Park, Cherry Street Park and the McIntosh Preserve. The catch is, anyone using the trails must follow Hillsborough County EPG guidelines regarding social distancing — in other words, keep six feet away from anyone else using the trails.
No other changes have been made at this time, meaning parks, programming and walk-up registration for future events are still a no-go through May 10. Check plantcitygov.com/parksrec for more information and for the latest updates on the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation.
The State of Florida recommended all school districts remain closed through the end of April, and Hillsborough County Public Schools has now gotten on board. HCPS will stay closed through May 1, which also applies for high school sports and related activities.
The FHSAA followed up Tuesday morning with an update on its own policies.
“Pending schools are back in session and afforded the opportunity to resume activities after May 3, by Federal, State and Local authorities, the FHSAA will follow the advice and guidance available to us at that time regarding the continuance of all FHSAA spring sports,” the organization said in a press release.”
The FHSAA added its staff is “actively working on creative solutions for the continuance of spring sports.” That could mean the spring season gets extended through June 30 if they are able to resume, but losing the spring season entirely could lead to the FHSAA adding eligibility for students who haven’t been able to play.
Previously, schools and the FHSAA targeted April 15 as the end of the self-imposed stoppages. Recent developments with COVID-19 forced an extension and with no clear end in sight, the future is as fluid as it is uncertain. Check FHSAA.org for further updates as time goes on and gets closer to the beginning of May.
