WREATHS FOR VETERANS
On Saturday, December 13, Wreaths Across America will hold its annual wreath laying in Plant City. Powered by Plant City’s Generations Renewed, the event will commence at 10:00 a.m. with a ceremony at Courier Field next to the Veterans Monument. This year’s program will add a new feature outside of the traditional program by honoring 10 Vietnam Veterans who live in Plant City.
CLAY SHOOT FOR PCPD
Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation announced their inaugural Clay Shoot. The event will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Tenoroc Shooting Range, located at 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland.
• Registration: 8:00 a.m.
• Shooting Begins: 9:00 a.m.
• Lunch: A steak lunch is included for all participants.
All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Plant City Police Department, supporting their ongoing efforts within the community.
Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation will also have a variety of sponsorship levels available for individuals and businesses looking to get involved.
To register, visit the Foundation’s website at www.friendsofpcpd.com. For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out to the Foundation.
FESTIVAL ADDS TWO STANDOUT 2026 ACTS: LEGENDS OF LOVE
AND JOAN JETT
The Florida Strawberry Festival is proud to announce two major additions to its 2026 headline entertainment series. Legends of Love, featuring Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, and Ruben Studdard, joins the lineup alongside rock icon Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, bringing fresh range and star power to the Festival’s 91st annual event, taking place February 26 to March 8.
Legends of Love will showcase their smooth vocals and signature rhythm and blues harmonies as part of the Festival’s commitment to offering a broad mix of musical styles for guests of all ages.
Jett—known for timeless hits including “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” and “Crimson and Clover”—will deliver the Festival’s closing-night performance on March 8, capping BerryFest26 with a high-energy finale.
“Announcing both Legends of Love and Joan Jett is truly special for us,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson said. “These artists bring two distinct musical experiences, yet both deliver the kind of talent and excitement our guests love. Legends of Love adds a soulful new dimension to the lineup, and Joan Jett closing out the Festival ensures an unforgettable finale. We’re thrilled to welcome them both to BerryFest26.”
These additions reflect the Festival’s ongoing effort to grow its entertainment offerings while preserving the tradition, fun and community spirit that have defined the Florida Strawberry Festival for more than nine decades.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY EXTENDS BURN BAN FOR SECOND WEEK
Hillsborough County extended an emergency burn ban on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county for another seven days.
Warm temperatures and dry conditions have combined to increase the danger of wildfires in Hillsborough County. The only exceptions to the ban are a constantly attended barbecue grills for outdoor cooking, certain agricultural enterprises in eastern and southern Hillsborough County that can dispose of agricultural plastic through controlled burns, and burning that has been specifically allowed by the Florida Forest Service.
County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an Executive Order on Dec. 1. Under the executive order:
• A local state of emergency is declared.
• All outdoor open burning is prohibited.
• The order bans fireworks, sparklers, and fire pits.
• Outdoor grilling is allowed, as long as the flames are contained within a grill and the fire is constantly attended.
By law, the order can be in effect for no more than seven days. If conditions persist, the order can be extended. County officials will continue to monitor conditions.
ARTS FESTIVAL
On November 25, Plant City Police Chief Richard Mills Jr. attended the 2025 Arts Festival, hosted by the Plant City Housing Authority. The purpose of the Festival was to celebrate art and culture. Mills joined Executive Director Patricia Dexter in unveiling an electrical box transformed into a vibrant work of art titled, “A Vision Revealed. A Future Honored.” This piece of art stands at the southwest corner of E. Alabama St. and S. Maryland Ave. “Congratulations to Ms. Pat and the entire Plant City Housing Authority team for your dedication to promoting Plant City as a wonderful place to live, work, and play,” a PCPD statement read. “Your efforts continue to brighten our community in meaningful ways!”
The 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. event provided kid entertainment such as the Radical Run Obstacle Course, an inflatable bounce house, a coloring station, and a photo booth. Other offerings were free haircuts provided by Give Back Cuts’ Joshua Vega, a Gentlemen’s Quest performance, and Tiffany Ponds, The Oreo Lady, who served up deep fried Oreo cookies.
