PCDEMS Plant Tree To Commemorate Former President
On Friday, April 25, Plant City Area Democrats celebrated the life of past PCDems president Greg Jewell. Jewell was an educator and avid environmental advocate with a passion for history. To honor him, the group planted a southern Magnolia tree, that, like Jewell, is native to Florida. One of Jewell’s favorite holidays was Arbor Day, an annual holiday celebrating and encouraging the planting and preservation of trees. It is typically observed on the last Friday in April.
Arbor Day is a time to appreciate the benefits of trees and the environment. In the early hours of Arbor Day this year, his colleagues, family, and countless others gathered to plant the Magnolia at Turkey Creek Middle School. A plaque to commemorate Jewell was placed in front of the tree.
Jewell was the last president of Plant City Area Democrats.
Arts Council of Plant City Holds Spring Soiree
Sunday, June 1, marked the date for the Arts Council of Plant City’s Spring Soiree, A Splash of Spring. This year’s event featured Dr. Teo Kulyk on piano and was held at the Red Calliope Gallery on Evers Street in Downtown from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sponsors for the soiree included the Red Calliope Gallery and BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital.
Founded in the early 1970s by a group of dedicated local artists and community leaders, the Plant City Arts Council began as a grassroots organization committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the city.
In addition to yearly soirees like this year’s A Splash of Spring, the Arts Council of Plant City kicked off 2025 with Chilifest, a chili cook-off event held in conjunction with Railfest at the Robert W. Willaford Train Museum. The organization recently displayed J. Seward Johnson Sculptures in downtown Plant City from December through March and is planning new installations of Veteran and Historic Downtown Banners.
The Arts Council provides significant educational support through scholarships for high school seniors pursuing arts careers, with funding primarily coming from their annual “At Home for the Holidays” home tour. Membership is open to the public and information about membership can be acquired by emailing Dodie White at dodiewhite@msn.com
Plant City Nurses Assistant Named CNA of the Year
Plant City’s own Gloria Bellamy has been named Florida Health Care Association’s 2025 CNA of the Year. With an impressive 52-year career in long-term care, Bellamy started as a housekeeper at age 17 and transitioned to becoming a CNA 15 years ago at the Community Convalescent Center.
Known for her exceptional dedication, Bellamy mentors new CNAs and actively participates in community activities. “Gloria Bellamy embodies the heart of long term care,” said FHCA CEO Emmett Reed, praising her commitment to residents and staff. Her colleagues commend her for her treatment of the people around her.
“She treats all residents and staff as family; she takes care of everyone,” said Susan Race, Director of Nursing at Community Convalescent Center and Gloria’s nominator. “She loves all our residents, and they love her in return.”
Plant City Holds County-Wide Animal Adoption Event
Seven county animal shelters across Tampa Bay are joining forces for a massive dog adoption event this weekend. The Third Annual Mega Dog Adoption Event, taking place June 6-8, will feature over 300 dogs daily seeking forever homes.
Thanks to support from several organizations including the Athletes & Causes Foundation and Pet Resources Foundation, all adoption fees will be waived. Every dog available for adoption will be vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped.
The event comes at a crucial time, with regional shelters operating well above capacity. Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center alone is at 150% capacity, with some dogs having stayed over 100 days. The event offers families the chance to meet dogs of all sizes, ages, and personalities from Hillsborough, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, and Sumter counties.
The event will take place at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563, with doors open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Plant City Public Meeting for Hurricane Recovery Funds
Hillsborough County will hold a crucial public comment hearing on June 18 at the Sayde Gibbs Martin Community Center to discuss the allocation of federal disaster recovery funds. The meeting, taking place in District 4, will give residents an opportunity to provide input on how the county should spend its $709 million in federal aid received for hurricane recovery efforts.
The Plant City meeting is one of five public hearings scheduled across the county to gather community feedback on the draft plan for disaster recovery. Residents can share their thoughts on proposed programs including housing repairs, infrastructure improvements, and business recovery initiatives.
Meeting Details: Location: Sayde Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave., Plant City, FL 33563 Purpose: Public comment hearing on hurricane recovery fund allocation
Residents unable to attend can still participate through an online survey available at HCFL.gov/HCEngage until July 7th.
