Though the coronavirus hasn’t caused extensive problems in Plant City or Hillsborough County at large, Hillsborough County Public Schools announced Friday that all its schools, as well as all high school sports games and practices, are on pause for the next two weeks.
Area schools are on spring break next week, so HCPS said students and staff will return to school on March 30. Many sports teams did not have games scheduled over the break but, unfortunately for baseball fans, Friday’s order to shut it down immediately meant the 2020 Tony Saladino Baseball Tournament — which was scheduled to begin Saturday and end March 18 — has been canceled.
The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department announced Wednesday the annual Dean’s Ride/Bike with the Mayor event has been moved from this Saturday to May 9, but that parks will remain open for “business as usual” and that the status of any event slated to be held in Plant City parks is up to the event organizers rather than the city. The NCBA/NCSA Spring Training Showcase, which will use several of Plant City’s baseball fields and facilities throughout the month, was still on as of Friday.
“Our many independent programs and hosted tournaments will make their own decisions concerning their activities, following guidelines set by their national or state associations,” the department said in a press release. “Our many special event organizers will make their own decisions pertaining to their events.”
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce announced Friday it’s rescheduled or canceled several events through April 4. Canceled events include the March 21 Strawberry Classic Cruise-In, the March 24 Non-Profit Leadership event, the March 26 Ambassador Lunch and Business After Hours events, the March 27 Java and Jeans and the April 4 Plant City Bike Fest. Rescheduled events include Capitol Coffee (originally March 25; new date TBD) and the Children’s Golf Classic (originally March 27; will now be held in October). The chamber is “exploring virtual options” for the March 25 Lunch and Learn.