Watering Restrictions & Water Saving Devices
On Tuesday, March 24, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted to declare a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region.
This includes Plant City.
One-day-per-week watering continues with stricter watering hours.
Effective April 3 through July 1, 2026
The District received below average rainfall during last year’s rainy season and currently has a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers, and lakes, continue to decline, and many are severely abnormal.
City of Plant City Water Utility Customers, Private Irrigation Wells, Automatic and Manual Operation Irrigation Systems, Portable Hose-End Sprinklers, Surface Waters and Private Water Systems
If your address (house number) ends in…
0 or 1 – Monday
2 or 3 – Tuesday
4 or 5 – Wednesday
6 or 7 – Thursday
8 or 9 – Friday
Properties less than one acre should water between 12:01 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. or 9:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties one acre or larger may only water before 4:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. Reclaimed water irrigation is allowed any day except between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Residents may still hand water plants or use micro-irrigation to water flower beds, shrubs, or other plant material (other than lawns) on any day; however, under the Modified Phase III restrictions, it is limited to the hours of before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
On Thursday, April 16, 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 supplies are distributed. Anyone in need of grocery assistance is encouraged to join to eliminate food insecurities in the community. Various goods are available from vegetables to meats to dairy and bakery goods. As a rule, the pantry, “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 our Plant City community needing that extra hand.
For additional information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.
THREE HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC TEAMS EARN TOP ACADEMIC HONORS FROM FHSAA
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is celebrating the academic excellence of its student-athletes after three district athletic teams were named Winter 2026 Academic Team Champions by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).
The FHSAA annually recognizes teams across the state with the highest cumulative grade point averages in their respective classifications, highlighting student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
This year’s HCPS honorees include:
Newsome High School Boys Soccer, which led Class 7A with a 3.66 cumulative team GPA
Plant High School Girls Soccer, earning the top spot in Class 6A with an impressive 3.827 cumulative team GPA
Plant High School Competitive Cheer, which topped Class 2A with a 3.847 cumulative team GPA
“These recognitions reflect the hard work, discipline, and commitment of our student-athletes and the dedicated coaches and educators who support them every day,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Balancing vigorous academic expectations with the demand of athletics requires discipline, time management, and perseverance – skills that prepare our students not only for championships, but for life beyond high school.”
Meals on Wheels Looking for Volunteers
Meals on Wheels of Plant City needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals one day a week, Monday through Friday, to senior homebound or disabled persons. Also needed is a volunteer office worker one day a week, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to noon. Computer knowledge is helpful for the office worker, but not necessary.
To apply, please call the Meals on Wheels office during business hours at 813-754-9932.
