Parks & Rec announce upcoming October events
Reelin’ with a Ranger – Oct. 14 from 8:30 to 10:30am
“Reelin with a Ranger” is an interactive family fishing derby (catch and release event) and open to all ages three and up. Admission is a $10 non-refundable registration fee per team. Teams may consist of up to six anglers. Pre-registration is required and will be accepted until Thursday, Oct. 12 by 5 p.m. The derby will be located at the Plant City Stadium back parking lot off of Gordon Food Service Dr. Participants will fish from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. with awards to follow. Check in at 8:15 a.m. In addition to the derby there will also be outdoor games, and food trucks on site! All anglers must bring their own pole, bait and bucket (used to transport fish to weigh station) and anglers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For more information and to pre-register, visit www.forms.plantcitygov.com/232643670819159
Punt, Pass, Kick – Oct. 21, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
The Optimist Tri-Star Football Skills Competition is a fun, free event for all youth ages six through 15. Participants have one attempt at each – punt, pass, kick – and total distance combined is their score. Awards for top three in each age group: 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15. Boys and girls compete separately. Tennis/gym shoes or cleats only – no bare feet! Registration on arrival at site, competition starts at 8:30 a.m., ends at 10:30 a.m. and awards will be presented at 11am.
Monster Mash – Oct. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Things are starting to get a little spooky over at the Plant City Parks & Recreation department as they gear up for their 2023 Monster Mash event. The event is set for Friday, Oct. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 E Park Rd., and is sure to be a gourd time! The family friendly event will consist of a trunk or treat area, scare zone, games and more! BayCare Kids is also joining in and creating a BayCare Boo Bash area for the littles.
Any organization, business or individual looking to give back to the community can do so by either becoming a sponsor, trunk spot, or vendor. They cannot put on events like this without the generosity of sponsors. From spooky decorations to thrilling games, their support ensures a festive experience for all attendees.
Please contact Special Events Coordinator, Ivanna Ibarra to get involved at iyibarra@plantcitygov.som or call 813-659-4255.
Local residents take action to clean up Plant City
Saturday morning Julia Olszewski and her mom, Karen spent some time collection trash from their retention pond in their community that runs along Mud Lake Road. This is not the first time they have volunteered their time to remove garbage from that area. Julia says “I do it because I care about how our community looks and I care about our wildlife.” Among the refuse was found plastic bags, various drink bottles, take-out containers and even an opened can of beans; to name a few. “I think back to the time when ‘Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute’ was the slogan of the day and we need to bring that back” says Karen. “There is so much trash around our road ways that people just discard out their vehicles’ window which is not only an eye sore but ends up in our waterways and affects the wildlife. We can do better at taking care of the beautiful nature that is around us by simple putting our trash in the garbage where it belongs.”
First Day On Job For New PCPD K9 Andy
The Plant City Police Department (PCPD) may be short a few officers but they’re now plus one K9 officer.
“Andy”, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, worked his first shift with his handler, Officer John Amole, Monday night.
Amole and Andy completed 480 hours of training through Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to be certified as a law enforcement canine/handler. The training included tracking, narcotics detection, bite work and searches. He’s particularly adept at sniffing out meth, heroin and cocaine.
This is Amole’s first time as a K9 handler. Prior to joining PCPD two years ago, he worked for another state law enforcement agency. Prior to that, he was in the Air Force, where he first came in contact with K9 units. “In my job I worked closely with them, it really interested me and when this opportunity presented itself here I jumped on it,” said Amole. “Now I have a partner.”
PCPD’s K9’s play an important role in keeping everybody- themselves, their handlers and the community- safe in dangerous situations. Amole will patrol the streets with Andy, who is calm and mild-mannered until he gives him a command.
“I look forward to being able to get drugs off the streets of Plant City and being able to do the work that needs to be done for the city,” he said.