Florida Strawberry Festival releases 2021 attendance total
Though the Florida Strawberry Festival’s overall attendance dipped in 2021, it still hosted hundreds of thousands of attendees.
The festival announced Wednesday that nearly 402,000 people attended the 86th annual festival. It also announced that Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Plant City Police Department reported just five total arrests made during the 11-day event.
“This year’s attendance was unexpected, and we can attribute our success to the hundreds of volunteers and patrons who come each year to take part in the celebration,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said in a press release. “We are incredibly humbled to be able to share this accomplishment with our exhibitors, concessionaires and community in light of the past year.”
HCSO warns of bank ‘jugging’ crimes
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be careful when exiting a bank after making a large withdrawal, citing a recent uptick in jugging.
Bank jugging, HCSO said in a press release, “is a crime in which criminals watch customers walk in and out of banks, in hopes that they come out with some form of bank bag, envelope, or another indication that victims are walking out with a large sum of money. Criminals then attempt to burglarize them and take off with the money.” The Sheriff’s Office said 27 jugging incidents have been reported in Hillsborough County in 2021 and a total of $110,000 has been stolen from the victims.
“We must all do our part to protect ourselves and safeguard our money,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a press release. “Even if you’re going to the bank in broad daylight, criminals will watch from their parked cars to see what you’re bringing back with you. Be aware of your surroundings and if you’re returning to your car with money, keep it hidden in your purse or pocket. Remember, if you see something suspicious, say something and call 911.”
You can watch a PSA online at youtube.com/watch?v=MZKFWY8C5_k.
Upcoming 5K to support mental, physical well-being
The inaugural EPIC 5K Memorial Run/Walk is coming to Plant City this weekend and all are invited to put their running shoes on and join the action.
The event, sponsored by BenchCounselor.org and myShape.solutions, is meant to honor the memories of Joshua Miller and Adam Robertson and bring attention to growing problems with addiction and depression exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in August 2020 that symptoms of anxiety and depression skyrocketed among adults compared to 2019.
“Educators Joshua Miller and Adam Robertson are fondly remembered today because of their battles lost last year, event organizers said in a press release. “Not only will the EPIC 5K Memorial Run/Walk make an impact on local communities and fellow educators, but also for the Miller and Robertson families.”
All proceeds raised from the event will support the Miller and Robertson families.
The 5K will be held at Ellis-Methvin Park, 2601 E. Cherry St., and is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. Start times will be staggered to support social distancing. The cost to register is $40 per person and you can sign up online at myshape.solutions/epic-5k.
Marjon Specialty Foods to host job fair
If you’re looking for work, Marjon Specialty Foods is looking for you.
Marjon will host a hiring event at its Plant City warehouse, 3508 Sydney Road, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24. The company said requirements for its available positions include being bilingual, the ability to work in a cold, wet environment and the ability to handle fast-paced work. Anyone interested is asked to bring their resume.
For more information, call 813-752-3482 or visit marjonspecialtyfoods.com.
Sign up for Boys and Girls Club summer programming
West Plant City Boys and Girls Club and others in the Tampa Bay area are currently accepting registrations for the club’s upcoming Summer Program for youth in elementary school through high school.
The program begins June 7 and runs through July 31, though it will be closed from July 2-5 in observance of Independence Day. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the program includes lunch, snacks, enrichment programs and more. The costs vary by age: $150 ($19 per week) for elementary school students, $50 ($7 per week) for middle school students and $25 ($4 per week) for high school students. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Register online at bit.ly/enrollbgc. Visit bgctampa.org for more information.