HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
Thursday, November 19, 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 in as they work to eliminate food insecurities in the 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 the Plant City community needing that extra hand.
For additional information, contact the church office at 813-752-4622.
Christmas at Dinosaur World Returns to Plant City with Miles of Lights, Santa and the Candy Cane Express
The dinosaurs are dressing up for the holidays. Christmas at Dinosaur World returns November 27, turning the park’s 20-acre jungle into a prehistoric winter wonderland. Families can stroll miles of twinkling Christmas lights past life-size dinosaurs, ride the Candy Cane Express Train, shop the Christmas Market and meet Santa on select nights through January 3, 2027.
“Christmas at Dinosaur World is our chance to surprise people. Between the lights, Santa, and a taste of Swedish tradition with Varm Choklad (Swedish Hot Chocolate) and Swedish waffles, it’s a holiday outing unlike any other.”
This year’s celebration includes miles of Christmas lights: glowing displays wind through the park and light up the dinosaurs after dark. Guests can meet Santa from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. on November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13 and 18–24.
Candy Cane Express: A festive train ride through the holiday season, Dinosaur World style.
Christmas Market: Open 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. on extended-hour nights.
Free Elf Workshop: Step inside to see what Santa’s helpers have been up to this year. Kids can join in the fun and take home a little holiday surprise.
Free face painting and glitter tattoos: Holiday looks for kids of all ages.
The Elf Workshop, face painting and glitter tattoos are free with park admission.
This season, Dinosaur World is teaming up with Plant City neighbor Keel Farms, home of Keel & Curley Winery and Keel Farms Agrarian Ales and Ciders, to serve its wine and cider at the celebration.
Guests can also enjoy dirty sodas and slushies, nachos, popcorn and kettle corn, cotton candy, food truck favorites from Heifers B Trippin
Dates: November 27, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (closed December 25)
Extended hours, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.: November 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, 18–24 and 26–27; January 1–3
All other days: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Tickets are $19.95 Online.
Location: Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL 33565
Tickets and info: dinosaurworld.com/christmas-at-dinosaur-world
Holiday Water Conservation Tips – Your Questions Answered
Q: How can I save water when preparing holiday meals?
A: Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use approximately two gallons of water per minute.
Q: What can I do to reduce water use when cleaning up from holiday gatherings?
A: When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink one-third to one-half full. Avoid letting the water run continuously in the rinsing sink. Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Standard dishwashers can use five gallons of water or more per load.
Q: How can I be water conscious while cooking?
A: Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary. Scrape food scraps into the garbage can or a composting bin, rather than rinsing them into the sink’s garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses approximately two gallons of water per minute.
Q: How can I prepare my home to use water wisely if I’m away for the holidays?
A: Your home should be using little to no water while you’re traveling for the holidays. Check for indoor and outdoor leaks before you head out. If you have a permanent in-ground irrigation system, make sure your controller is set to follow local water restrictions or turned to the “off” position if your lawn and landscape are not in need of additional water. Consider upgrading to a WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller that can automatically adjust to your lawn’s watering needs while you’re away.
Q: How can I give the gift of water savings during the holidays?
A: Water saving devices are the gift that keep on giving! Look for WaterSense or ENERGY STAR labeled products to help friends and family save water and money on utility bills long after the holidays are over. A WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water a year.
Q: Where can I find more water conservation tips?
A: To find more water conservation tips, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.