Strawberry Crest Cheerleaders honored for their success.
Before the end of the month commission meeting began, the Strawberry Crest High School cheerleading team gathered outside City Hall for a group photo to celebrate its latest victory.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Nathan Kilton at 6:00 p.m., followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners then continued with a formal recognition of the team. Strawberry Crest Cheerleading has won 12 state titles and four national championships. The team practices five to six times a week for two to three hours.
Kilton’s proclamation honored the team’s hard work and achievements.
“They have to have discipline, rigorous training, and remarkable teamwork to do this,” Kilton said.
Following the recognition, commissioners heard Agenda Item 26-139, a presentation by Dawn Hyatt, executive director of Historic Plant City Main Street. The presentation highlighted four years of growth in community engagement and financial success. Before concluding, Hyatt announced she will be leaving her position in April.
In response, board president Karen Knox said events will be canceled from April through October while the organization searches for a new executive director. These events include Last Friday, the farmers market, and Oktoberfest.
Commissioner Mary Mathis said they should reconsider the cancellation of Oktoberfest due to its past success.
Commissioners then approved several consent agenda items unanimously, including:
Agenda 26-135 – Resolution approving minutes of Regular Meeting held March 9, 2026.Agenda 26-130 – Resolution accepting the easement deed from Florida Strawberry Festival, Inc., a Florida Corporation, at 2508 W. Oak Avenue for meters and backflow preventer assemblies.
Agenda 26-133 – Resolution accepting the easement deed from Florida Strawberry Festival, Inc., a Florida Corporation, at N. Edwards Street for meters and backflow preventer assemblies, were all unanimously approved.
Before the city manager’s report, Bill McDaniel shared details about a disaster recovery program launching May 1. The program will focus on single-family home repairs for households earning up to 80% of the area median income in Hillsborough County, with possible expansion up to 120% if funds remain.
The program includes three components:
A reimbursement program offering $10,000 to $15,000 for completed repairs, with first payments expected in July.
A repair program covering up to $150,000 for damage not covered by insurance, beginning in August.
A reconstruction or replacement program offering up to $350,000 for severely impacted homes.
Residents can apply starting May 1. Assistance will be available by phone beginning April 13, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as through county resource centers.
There will be strict program guidelines, so McDaniel recommends reaching out to understand your eligibility.
“I think this is an exciting development for those members of our community. Those impacted by Helene and Milton have been waiting for this assistance to open, and it will do so on May 1,” McDaniel said.
Next was Agenda Item 26-136 – Presentation of proposed changes to the Vision Statement and Themes of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update.
After conducting outreach to hear community concerns and input for the new revision plan, there is a new proposed outline of a new vision statement.
Community feedback emphasized parks and green space, support for local businesses, community identity, city services, education, and agriculture. Policy revisions are expected to begin this spring.
26-132 – Resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase Aurelian Software to provide a non-emergency call automation software solution for the Plant City Police Department Communication Center.
Police Chief Richard Mills requested $40,000 for an AI-powered non-emergency call-taking system. This system will reduce dispatcher workload by 70%. Mills said there were 1,046 non-emergency calls, and 733 could have been handled by this AI system.
The approved agreement will be a one-year term. McDaniel said he wanted to stress that this will not cut jobs; it will simply help with the overload of work for operators.
The resolution passed 5-0
26-098 – Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Construction Work Order with Charles Perry Partners, Inc. for demolition of three public works buildings and communication tower improvements.
Lynn Spivey, the director of utilities, asked for $1,013,211 for a construction work order for demolition of the old public works building and communication tower improvements.
The resolution passed 5-0.
26-134 – Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Change Order with Killebrew, Inc., for Construction Work Order No. 3 for sewer manhole rehabilitation within the utility easement at 1650 Alumax Circle.
Spivey asked for $96,500 for rebuilding the sewer manhole. The resolution passed 5-0.
City Clerk agenda 26-070 – Consideration of a resolution appointing a member to the Code Enforcement Board, re-appointed Jerry Herold, and appointed applicant Reginal Grey to the open position.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. The next commission meeting will be held April 13.
