STRAWBERRY CREST STUDENT ARRESTED FOR BRINGING WEAPONS TO CAMPUS
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Strawberry Crest High School student for bringing a firearm and a knife to campus. On November 18, at 11:23 a.m., a 15-year-old student was observed with a vape leaving the restroom. In accordance with the school’s safety protocols, an administrative search was conducted.
Due to the student’s uncooperative behavior, an HCSO School Resource Deputy assisted in the search. The student resisted the deputy’s efforts and tried to grab the deputy’s agency-issued gun. He was put in handcuffs. A search of his backpack contained a loaded handgun. A knife was also recovered.
“Our deputy acted quickly to prevent any potential harm, and this case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Let me be clear: bringing weapons onto school grounds is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We encourage parents, students, and staff to work together to keep our schools safe.”
The student was arrested and is being charged with Possession of a Firearm on School Grounds, Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds, Minor in Possession of a Firearm, Resisting Without Violence and Altering a Serial Number on a Firearm.
NOT A YARD SALE
On December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Free Rider Fellowship will host its Yard Share. New toys, new and used household items, non-perishable food items, and more will be free at their site at 2902 Cork Road. Here is an opportunity to help make a great Christmas for your kids if your family needs the help.
CHRISTMAS TREE LOT FUNDRAISER
The annual Christmas tree sale fundraiser for the non-profit Plant City Champions for Youth is back for 2025. This is the 20th year for the lot at Plant City High School (PCHS). All proceeds from the tree lot go toward programs for Plant City area youth.
Fresh cut Fraser Fir trees from North Carolina are available in sizes from table top to 11 feet, and are priced from $39 to $299. Tree stands are also available for $15 for a limited time. The lot is located at PCHS, at the corner of Maki Road and W Alexander St, and is open from November 24 through December 12 unless items sell out early. While the lot is closed for Thanksgiving Day, it is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cash, check, and debit/credit cards are all accepted.
Customers are encouraged not to wait, as the larger sizes will go fast, and supply is limited.
HOPE LUTHERAN WELCOMES MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
On Thursday, November 20, Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 North Park Road, will again 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 the church as they work to eliminate food insecurities in the community. Various goods are available, from vegetables to meats to dairy and bakery goods. 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.
UNDER CONTRACT
The property on Alexander Street where the legacy South Florida Baptist Hospital operated for 70 years before being demolished, is currently under contract to sell. BayCare will confirm the purchaser once the closing on the property has taken place and the sale is final.
NEW CHRISTMAS PARADE ROUTE
The 2025 Plant City Christmas Parade will be December 5 at 7:00 p.m. This year the parade will commence at Collins Street and Ball Street, head north to Reynolds Street, turn west on Reynolds, proceed to Wheeler Street, then turn south to Drane Street, where it will end.
