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 member at Hope and had the desire to return to the Pastoral ministry in this capacity at the church where he and his wife Barbara are actively involved. Pennekamp will be serving at Hope on a part-time basis in this new capacity.
As a part of the Rite of Installation, the District President of the Florida Georgia District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod delivered the message and presided over the Installation. Hope’s Sr. Pastor, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, led the worship and welcome. A special meal was served following the worship in Hope’s Fellowship Hall.
According to Pfeffer, “We rejoice and give thanks to God for this new window of opportunity He has opened to better enable our amazing members to better reach out in our communities to Connect People to Jesus.”
For additional information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER BOB HENRIQUEZ ANNOUNCES EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS TO HELP HOMEOWNERS MAXIMIZE PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS
With the March 1 deadline for filing Homestead and other property tax exemptions quickly approaching, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez is announcing extended office hours and additional outreach opportunities to make it easier for residents to apply.
“Our goal is to remove barriers so every eligible homeowner can apply,” said Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez. “These exemptions can make a real difference in a family’s budget and help ensure homeowners are prepared for any potential state property tax reform. If you own and live in your home, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of these extended hours locations before March 1.”
The HCPA will be open for walk-ins only during the following times and locations:
Extended Hours
Saturday Walk-In Hours (10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Brandon Office
311 Pauls Drive
Brandon, FL 33511
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Plant City Office
307 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor
Plant City, FL 33563
Saturday, February 28, 2026
South County Office
SouthShore Regional Service Center
410 30th Street SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
Evening Walk-In Hours (Filing Deadline Date)
Monday, March 2, 2026
Downtown Tampa Office
601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 15th Floor
Tampa, FL 33602
Open until 6:00 p.m.
Residents filing for the first time should bring proof of Florida residency and occupancy, such as a Florida driver’s license, voter registration, or vehicle registration, along with documentation for any additional exemptions for which they may qualify.
A full schedule of extended office hours and after-hours exemption locations is available on the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s website.
For additional information, please contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at 813-272-6100 or visit www.hcpafl.org.
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Challenges High School Students to Design ‘I Voted’ Sticker
Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer is challenging high school students to design a new ‘I Voted’ sticker for Hillsborough County voters. The first-place design will be reproduced as stickers and given to voters during the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
“Voters love getting their ‘I Voted’ sticker, and they are always excited to get a unique sticker designed by one of our talented high school students,” said Supervisor Latimer.
Three finalists will be selected, and one will be named the grand prize winner. All of the finalists will be recognized at a School Board meeting and receive prizes from this year’s sponsors — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Busch Gardens, and The Florida Aquarium. Artwork must be two-dimensional, nonpartisan, and original. To read more details and download the entry packet, students should visit VoteHillsborough.gov/VHContests.
The submission deadline is March 6, 2026.
A winning night all around
Congratulations to the Best of Plant City winners from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
Best Community Event:
Plant City Pig Jam
Community Service Award:
Enhanced Healthcare, LLC
Customer Service Award:
Calhoun’s Septic
Health, Wellness, and Fitness:
Supporters of Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City
Non-Profit of the Year:
Friends of the PCPD Foundation
Employer of the Year:
Brewington’s Towing & Recovery LLC.
Entrepreneur of the Year:
Tim Bosko – Your CBD Store
Emerging Leader Award:
Terry Pittinger – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
New Business of the Year Award:
Blue Collar Burger
Small Business of the Year:
Red Calliope Art Gallery
Business of the Year Award:
Propagation Whiskey Bar and Kitchen
