City Breaks Ground On New Solid Waste and Utilities Maintenance Administration Building
On Jan. 24, the City of Plant City held a groundbreaking celebration to commemorate the construction of a new Solid Waste and Utilities Maintenance Administration building. The 15,000 square-foot facility, located at 902 N. Mobley St., was designed by The Lunz Group and is being built by Manhattan Construction Company.
Once completed, the new building will consist of a shared reception space, offices, conference areas, break rooms, crew meeting areas, independent locker room/shower facilities, and an expanded parking area. A retention pond will be developed into a pocket park for neighboring residents to enjoy.
The estimated completion date is Spring 2025.
Hillsborough County Turns 190
On Jan. 25, 1834, the U.S. Legislative Council for the Territory of Florida approved an act organizing Hillsborough as Florida’s 19th county. Florida was granted statehood in 1845. In its early years, the sprawling county covered areas that included what is now Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties, most of Glades County and part of Lee County.
Its population was several hundred people, a far cry from today’s population of approximately 1.5 million.
Happy Birthday, Hillsborough County. Here’s to many more!
Hillsborough County Leaders Endorse Christine Miller For County Commission
Four members of State House of Representatives endorsed Republican Christine Miller for Hillsborough County Commission. Representatives Lawrence McClure, Traci Koster, Karen Gonzalez Pittman and Daniel Alvarez all threw their support behind Miller.
“Hillsborough County needs effective, common sense, conservative voices on the County Commission to help make Hillsborough County a world class destination for economic growth and prosperity. Christine is a results-oriented leader who will focus on the priorities that are important to all residents of Hillsborough County and I’m excited to endorse her for the County Commission,” Representative McClure said.
Christine Miller was humbled by their support. “I will work day and night to live up to the confidence and trust they’ve placed in our campaign and I’m excited to work with them to help bring common sense, conservative leadership to our county,” she said.
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Challenges High School Students to Design ‘I Voted’ Sticker
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer is challenging students to design a new ‘I Voted’ sticker for Hillsborough County voters. The first-place winning design will be reproduced as a 2” round sticker and given to voters who vote early or drop off their mail ballot during the two weeks leading up to Election Day for the 2024 Primary and General Elections.
“We held this contest in 2022 and our voters loved getting their ‘special-edition’ sticker designed by a local high-school student. I know our 2024 winning sticker will be popular, too,” said Supervisor Latimer.
Three finalists will be selected and one will be named the grand prize winner. This year the contest is sponsored by The Tampa Bay Lightning, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Busch Gardens. All of the finalists will be recognized at a School Board meeting and receive prizes from the sponsors. Artwork must be two-dimensional, nonpartisan and original. The submission deadline is March 8. To read more about the rules and submission requirements, students should visit VoteHillsborough.gov/VHContests.
Lincoln Elementary Named National Magnet School of Excellence
Magnet Schools of America released the winners of its National Merit Awards of Excellence and one Plant City school was recognized as one of the top schools in the country.
Lincoln Elementary Magnet School for International Studies was one of five schools in Hillsborough County that received the distinction.
“We are really excited,” said Principal Ann Rushing. “To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme.”
The recognition comes as the next Choice/Magnet window will likely open in mid-February.