Wearing a strawberry-patterned tie—a nod to the community he calls home—longtime City Commissioner Mike Sparkman officially announced at Monday night’s commission meeting that he will not seek reelection to the Plant City City Commission, closing the book on decades of public service in the town where his family’s roots run seven generations deep. Sparkman—who has […]
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News Briefs 02.19.26
Plant City Youth Compete in State Hoop Shoot Three outstanding young people represented Plant City Elks Lodge 1727 at the State Hoop Shoot competition in Umatilla, FL. Left to right are Jalen Gaddis, Benjamin Beverly, George Domedion, District Hoop Shoot Director, and Baylor Mueller. Jalen took first place in the 12- and 13-year-old boys division, […]
Continue ReadingGilchrist Park improvements focus on accessibility for all
Gilchrist Park was named in honor of Florida Gov. Albert W Gilchrist and the park is a continued investment for Plant City. The recent improvements will help with accessibility and provide a safe place for children to enjoy. Plant City Parks and Recreation Director Julie Garretson said the park’s improvements highlight a multi-year effort to […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Commission Recognizes 2026 Strawberry Festival Royalty
The February Plant City Commission meeting began promptly at 6:00 p.m. with a prayer led by Reverend Joe Bowles. Mayor Nate Kilton, Vice-Mayor Jason Jones, Commissioners Mike Sparkman, Bill Dodson and Mary Mathis, along with City Manager Bill McDaniel, City Clerk Kerri Miller and City Attorney Kenneth Buchman were all present. Commissioners first recognized the […]
Continue ReadingNews Briefs 02.12.26
Hillsborough County Extends Emergency Ban on Open Burning for Fourth Consecutive Week Hillsborough County extended an emergency burn ban on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county for the fourth consecutive week. Although there’s been recent rainfall and cold temperatures, the overall dry conditions continue to increase the danger of wildfires in Hillsborough County. Since the beginning of January, […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Fire Rescue Graduates Largest Recruit Class
Emotions were high at City Hall as loved ones and mentors gathered for the Plant City Fire Rescue Commencement of recruit Class 2026-1. Tears of pride filled the room as the ceremony marked the recruits’ official commitment to serving and protecting the community. This commencement marks a milestone for the city. It was the biggest […]
Continue ReadingNews Briefs 02.05.26
HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES ASSOCIATE PASTOR As a part of their morning worship on Sunday, February 1, the members of Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, welcomed Rev. Ron Pennekamp to their staff as an Associate Pastor for Outreach and Discipleship. Pennekamp, who retired as Sr. Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lakeland, has been a […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Fire Department Upgrades Bunker Gear to Improve Safety and Response
The Plant City Fire Department will receive 39 sets of new bunker gear aimed at improving firefighter safety and response times. Twenty-one sets will replace existing equipment, while 18 will be issued to new recruits. Fire Chief David Dittman said the new gear will be form-fitted to each firefighter, allowing for greater mobility and functionality. […]
Continue ReadingNews Briefs 01.29.26
Chilifest Heats Up Downtown The Arts Council held the annual Chilifest in downtown on Saturday in conjunction with RailFest at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. Three independent judges voted for their favorites. Here are the results from the 23 teams competing. Mild First Place – Scooby’s Outdoor Adventures Second Place – Plant City Police […]
Continue ReadingCity Manager Proposes New Building Purchase
More than 30 people gathered inside City Hall for the end-of-the-month Commission Meeting. Mayor Nathan Kilton called the meeting to order with a prayer by Reverend Joe Bowles of Shiloh Baptist Church. Vice-Mayor Jason Jones, City Commissioner Mike Sparkman, City Commissioner Bill Dodson, City Commissioner Mary Mathis, City Attorney Kenneth Buchman, City Manager Bill McDaniel, […]
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