Plant City Community Chorale Presents “America at 250: The Ongoing Story”
The Plant City Community Chorale invites the community to a powerful and thought-provoking choral concert, “America at 250: The Ongoing Story”, to be held on June 7 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N Alexander St.
This compelling program reflects on the American journey—its founding ideals, struggles for justice, and continued evolution. Audiences will hear stirring patriotic selections such as “The Star-Spangled Banner”, ”Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and the beloved “Armed Forces Medley”, alongside songs that give voice to social change and resilience including “Bread and Roses” and “The Times They Are A-Changin.”
The concert also highlights historical and folk traditions with works like “Chester” and “The Erie Canal,” as well as contemporary and reflective pieces such as “Hymn for America” and “Why Have The Fallen Gone?”
Under the direction of Coleman Flentge, the Plant City Community Chorale brings these diverse works together into a cohesive musical narrative that honors the past while looking toward the future.
Tickets are $25.00 (cash, debit, & credit cards accepted) and are available at www.pccchorale.org, FB.com/plantcitycommunitychorale, from any Chorale Member, or by texting 727-424-9661. Tickets are $20 when purchased from a Chorale member in advance. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the concert. Children 12 and younger are free.
PCPC Investigates Shooting at Baker and Thonotosassa
On May 9, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Plant City Police Department responded to the area of West Baker St and Thonotosassa Rd following reports of a shooting involving two vehicles.
Upon arrival, officers located the victim, identified as 45-year-old Jesus De La Cruz Hernandez, suffering from gunshot wounds inside his vehicle. Officers immediately began life-saving measures until Plant City Fire Rescue arrived on scene. Hernandez was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Kenny Morales-Garcia, of Hillsborough County, as the suspect in the case.
On May 11, Morales-Garcia surrendered at the Plant City Police Department, accompanied by his attorney.
Morales-Garcia was charged with First Degree Murder with a Firearm, Direct Discharge of a Firearm from a Vehicle, Throwing a Deadly Missile into a Vehicle, and Criminal Mischief.
Morales-Garcia was remanded to the Hillsborough County Jail.
The investigation involved a coordinated effort between the Plant City Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, whose assistance was instrumental throughout the investigation.
“This case reflects the relentless work and coordination of our detectives, patrol officers, and our law enforcement partners,” said Chief Richard Mills, Jr. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. I am proud of the professionalism, dedication, and commitment shown by everyone involved in bringing this case to a swift resolution.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.
Arrest Made in Shooting at Alabama and Lincoln
Through the coordinated efforts of patrol and detectives, an arrest has been made in connection with the shooting investigation, which occurred in the area of E. Alabama Street and Lincoln Street.
Archie Jerome Wright Jr. (DOB: 02/06/1995) was arrested and charged with:
• Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Discharging a Firearm in Public or on Residential Property
Wright is being remanded in the Hillsborough County Jail.
HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
On Thursday, May 21, 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. 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.
