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, 411 forest and brush fires throughout the state have burned over 11,483 acres.
The only exceptions to the emergency burn ban are a constantly attended barbecue grill for outdoor cooking, certain agricultural enterprises in eastern and southern Hillsborough County that can dispose of agricultural plastic through controlled burns, and burning that has been specifically allowed by the Florida Forest Service.
Under the executive order:
A local state of emergency is declared.
All outdoor open burning is prohibited.
The order bans fireworks, sparklers, and fire pits.
Outdoor grilling is allowed, as long as the flames are contained within a grill and the fire is constantly attended.
By law, the order can be in effect for no more than seven days. If conditions persist, the order can be extended.
16 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS NAMED TO ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOOL HONOR ROLL
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that 16 of its high schools have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning 3 Platinum, 4 Gold, 2 Silver, and 7 Bronze distinctions.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs deliver results for students while broadening participation. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Platinum: Durant High School, Steinbrenner High School, Plant High School
Gold: Alonso High School, Newsome High School, Robinson High School, Sickles High School
Silver: Middleton High School, Riverview High School
Bronze: Bloomingdale High School, Freedom High School, Hillsborough High School, King High School, Leto High School, Gaither High School, Wharton High School
“Our success in AP really comes down to our people,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “From dedicated administrators to committed teachers and hardworking students, everyone plays a role. Together, we’ve created a culture where students are encouraged to aim higher—and I couldn’t be prouder of what they continue to accomplish.”
Hillsborough County is proud of its continued success in its AP program, administering over 27,000 exams annually with record-breaking success rates. During the spring of 2025, HCPS saw a 70% pass rate on AP exams, the highest ever for the district.
College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) enables students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 40 subjects, each culminating in a challenging exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond.
To learn more about Advanced Placement opportunities at HCPS, visit hillsboroughschools.org/acceleratedprograms
ASH WEDNESDAY AT HOPE LUTHERAN
The members and staff of Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, invite the community to join us as we mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday on February 18 at 6:30 p.m. in our sanctuary. This service will include the distribution of Ashes and the celebration of Holy Communion. Leading the worship will be Hope’s Senior Pastor, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, and preaching will be Hope’s Associate Pastor, Rev. Ron Pennekamp.
The theme of the service is “Dying His Death, Living His Life” with the Ash Wednesday focus on “Dying to Sin, Living to Forgiveness.”
Every Wednesday during Lent, special worship opportunities will take place at 6:30 p.m. under the theme of “Dying His Death, Living His Life.” In this series, Hope Lutheran is reminding you that we are buried with Christ in His death so that we might live with Him in His resurrection. The old is gone. The new has come. Each Wednesday during Lent at 6:30 p.m., a new theme will be examined.
HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
On Thursday, February 19, Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, will host their mobile food pantry in the church parking lot. This pantry, in association with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lakeland, will begin distributing food to those in need beginning at 6:00 p.m. until the supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to join us as we work to eliminate food insecurities in our community. Various goods are available from vegetables to meats to dairy and bakery goods. “Moving Hope” takes place at Hope Lutheran on the third Thursday of each month. No identification is required, and the pantry is open to anyone in the Plant City community needing that extra hand.
PLANT CITY COMMUNITY CHORALE CONTINUES ITS 2026 CONCERT SEASON
Plant City Community Chorale joyfully announces its 2026 Spring Concert “JOURNEYS: PATHS WE WALK TOGETHER.”
This concert invites listeners on a deeply human journey of reflection, resilience, and hope, weaving together spirituals, folk traditions, and contemporary choral selections. Listeners will voyage from the serene, prayerful stillness of The Ground, to the uplifting, toe-tapping beat of the 1970s pop hit Lean On Me, and into the love, comfort, and timeless warmth of Wild Mountain Thyme, among many other selections.
The Sunday, March 22 performance is sponsored by Grow Into You Foundation and Jonathan Pittman, Financial Advisor.
The concert begins at 5:00 p.m., and will be at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander Street.
Tickets are $25.00 online (debit & credit cards accepted) and are available at the Chorale website (www.pccchorale.org), FB.com/plantcitycommunitychorale, or by texting 727-424-9661. Tickets are also available at the door the night of the concert (cash, debit, & credit). Children 12 and younger are free. Tickets may also be purchased in advance directly from your favorite Chorale member for $20.00 (cash/check).
