PLANT CITY HOUSE FIRE
On Tuesday night, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a residential structure fire in Plant City at 3118 Jim Johnson Road. At 9:39 p.m. the emergency dispatch communications center received 911 calls from individuals reporting a fire at the address. The first fire engine that arrived was met with fire blazing through the roof of the single-story house. Crews battled the fire from inside, declaring it under control in 40 minutes. Searches of the home revealed no occupants. No injuries were sustained to civilians or first responders. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
NEW CHIPOTLE IN PLANT CITY
Plans for establishing Chipotle Mexican Grill have been submitted to the City of Plant City Planning and Zoning Department. The proposed project would convert the former Popeye’s at 201 W. Alexander into the new restaurant.
HELP WITH TURKEY CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL HISTORIC RENOVATION
Supporters of renovating the 1926 two-story red brick building on the Turkey Creek Middle School Campus are asking for community support to obtain funding from the Hillsborough County School Board. A renovation would be for a multipurpose use which would include Ag classrooms, memorabilia space, and meeting space. The project has the support and advocacy of the current Principal Jackie Savino, and Ag teacher Jessica Hawkins, who attended Turkey Creek Middle School as a student.
The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and as a Hillsborough County Landmark designated as a Strawberry School. At these schools, children would attend classes during the summer, then help pick their family’s strawberries during the winter.
For those who want to join in this cause, the next oversight meeting is May 2, while the next School Board meeting will be May 6 at the Raymond Shelton Building in Tampa. The initiative is asking for interested people to take action before the May 2 meeting. For more information, see https://www.facebook.com/dana.welch.507.
PROPERTY APPRAISER INTIATIVE HELPS WITH REPORTING HURRICANE DAMAGE
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez is pleased to announce the launch of a new text messaging initiative aimed at helping homeowners easily report unresolved hurricane damage to their properties.
The initiative provides residents with convenient options to communicate with the Property Appraiser’s office, ensuring their 2025 property assessments accurately reflect their home’s current conditions. Text messages will include key contact details for homeowners to report their damage to the HCPA, including an online damage assessment form, a dedicated email address and a storm damage telephone hotline.
More information can be found by using the following:
• Online Damage Assessment Form (https://dmz.hcpafl.org/storm/indexj2.cfm)
• Storm Damage Hotline: 813-272-6332
• Dedicated Email: StormDamage@hcpafl.org
• Website: www.hcpafl.org
COUNTY BAN ON BURNING
On April 25, Hillsborough County issued an emergency burn ban on all outdoor, open burning in all areas of the county. The only exceptions 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. Residents can register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system, to continue to receive text or email updates related to the burn ban. To sign up, visit HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert.
PLANT CITY FAMU ALUMNI RECEIVE DONATION
The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association, Plant City Chapter, announced a charitable gift of $5,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. The funds will support the chapter’s goals and objectives to enhance and ensure the continued existence of Florida A&M University, to assist with student recruitment and retention, scholarships, and community service within Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas.
In the Plant City community, a large majority of students come from low-income families and are limited in their choice and ability to attend college. “Through several chapter initiatives, coupled with support from Suncoast Credit Union, we are able to assist the students by exposing them to higher education opportunities, and hosting college preparation and information events throughout the year,” Dr. Maurice Pickett, Sr. Chapter President, said. “Our purpose and mission mirrors that of Suncoast’s: continued community engagement, and promoting the education, health, and emotional wellbeing of our children.”
