Plant City Chamber of Commerce Breaks Ground on New Location
On June 12, the Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ground-breaking ceremony to introduce citizens to their new location at 2504 Walden Woods Dr. The renovation plans include modern meeting spaces and innovative resources designed to create a hub for connection, collaboration, and leadership development. During the ceremony, the Chamber also launched its Capital Campaign, offering community members and businesses the opportunity to invest in Plant City’s commercial future. The Chamber welcomes both longtime supporters and newcomers to participate in this transformative project. Contribute and learn more at: https://www.plantcity.org/buildingthefuture/
United Food Bank Opens New Facility to Serve Community
United Food Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new facility with a successful ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 12. The event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to combat food insecurity in the local community. Community members, supporters, and local leaders gathered to commemorate the occasion. As the organization enters this new chapter, it remains focused on fostering sustainable solutions to food insecurity while building lasting connections within the community it serves. For more information about United Food Bank’s programs and volunteer opportunities, please visit https://ufbpc.org/
Wilson Foundation hosts Juneteenth Celebration
The Wilson Foundation hosted its Inclusion Celebration at Snowden Park on June 18, bringing together community members for a day of connection and celebration. The three-day celebration took place from June 13 to 15, beginning with the Harambee Worship Service (Ecumenical Service) at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. Antonio Wilkerson served as Host Pastor and delivered the Annual Sermon. Saturday featured The Inclusion Celebration at Roland L. Snowden Park, which hosted various local vendors including the Plant City Police Department, PC Democrats, PC Colts, J’s Chains and Things, and The Wright Taste BBQ. The celebration concluded on Sunday with the Annual Father’s Day Luncheon, honoring Supt. Craig Smalley, Pastor of Progressive C.O.G.I.C., and Mrs. Jonnye B. Charlow-Butler of L.F.D. & E. and the Charlow Funeral Home. Looking ahead to 2026, the Juneteenth Celebration will take place from June 19-21, featuring the 4th Annual Freedom Parade on Saturday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m. (W. Ball Street to Waller Rd.), with Grand Marshal Ms. Essie M. Lewis, retired educator and first African American to make it onto the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court. Those wishing to support future celebrations can contribute to The Wilson Foundation at www.1wilsonfoundation.com/donate.
Public Invited to Participate in Regional Water Supply Plan Workshops
The Southwest Florida Water Management District will hold two virtual public workshops seeking feedback on the draft 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP). The virtual workshops will take place at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 25 and at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26.
A new plan is developed every five years and presents the projected water demands across the district and all water use sectors for a 20-year planning period. The plan also identifies water supply sources and potential water supply projects. Over the next 20 years, the region is expected to grow to 7.8 million people, and overall water demands are expected to increase by 215 million gallons per day (mgd), with 177 mgd of that being for public supply.
Members of the public may register for the workshops via Microsoft Teams through the links below:
Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m.
Registration link: https://bit.ly/RWSPJune25
Public Draft 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan Workshop
Thursday, June 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Registration link: https://bit.ly/RWSPJune26
The Google Chrome browser is recommended for best compatibility with Microsoft Teams.
The 2025 draft RWSP is available for public review and comment at WaterMatters.org/RWSP. Please note that the same information will be presented at each of the public workshops.
Questions or comments about the 2025 draft RWSP can be emailed to RWSP@WaterMatters.org and public comments will be accepted until Sept. 1.
Local NO KINGS Rally Draws Hundreds in Plant City
A peaceful NO KINGS rally took place at City Hall on Saturday, June 14, drawing an estimated crowd of 200-250 participants according to Plant City Police Department. The demonstration, characterized by its diverse attendance and peaceful nature, featured music and received support from passing motorists who expressed solidarity through honking. The Plant City Police Department maintained a presence throughout the event, helping ensure participant safety and maintain order. The Plant City gathering was one of approximately 2,000 NO KINGS rallies held across the United States, with parallel demonstrations occurring in 40 countries worldwide. In the Tampa Bay area, similar rallies were conducted in Riverview, Tampa, and Lakeland. The local law enforcement’s cooperative approach and the protesters’ respectful conduct contributed to the event’s successful and peaceful execution.
