Plant City news briefs for the July 27 edition of the Plant City Observer.
Some Back-to-School Supplies Tax-Free Until August 6
The 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is happening through Sunday, August 6. During the holiday period, tax isn’t due on the retail sale of:
Clothing, footwear and certain accessories with a sales price of $100 or less per item.
Certain school supplies with a sales price of $50 or less per item.
Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles with a sales price of $30 or less.
Personal computers and certain computer-related accessories with a sales price of $1,500 or less, when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.
For a detailed list of items that are included in the tax-free holiday, and those that are excluded, visit floridarevenue.com.
Keel & Curley Winery Celebrates 20 years With ‘Cheers to 20 Years’ Sweepstakes
Keel Farms is celebrating Keel and Curley Winery’s 20th anniversary with the ‘Cheers to 20 Years’ Sweepstakes. Now through August 5, enter to win an all-inclusive winemaking trip for two to Napa Valley. One runner-up with win a VIP Experience at Keel Farms for two, which includes a winery tour, tasting and dinner for the winner and a guest.
“Our winery has grown tremendously over the past 20 years and that’s because of support from our loyal customers,” said Keel Farms President Clay Keel. “This sweepstakes is our way of saying thank you. We have many exciting developments in the works, so we look forward to more milestones and fun giveaways in the future.”
There is no purchase required to participate in the sweepstakes. Participants can enter by filling out a form at keelfarms.com.
The sweepstakes will conclude with a celebratory Keel & Curley Winery birthday party on August 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Keel Farms. Parking and admission are free.
Adoption Fees Waived For Pocket Pets
Looking to adopt a pocket pet but don’t want to pay the adoption fee? SPCA Tampa Bay is waiving adoption fees on certain pocket pets and livestock, including a variety of birds, rabbits, mice, chickens and guinea pigs, during its Pocket Pet Palooza running now until Thursday, August 31. One fee waived per pocket pet or livestock available per person. To view adoptable pocket pets and livestock, visit spcatampabay.org/pocket-pets or call 727-586-3591.
Registration Open For Active Life Games
Are you an active adult age 50 or older with a penchant for competition? Then sign up for Active Life Games, organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.
The two-week long event schedule, which runs October 2 – 13, offers a variety of contests for all skill and fitness levels, from track and field to shuffleboard to pickleball to billiards and horseshoes. New events this year include a basketball shootout and lawn bowling.
Individual competitions are held at a variety of locations throughout Hillsborough County.
Registration continues through September 22. Cost is $25 for one event or $30 for unlimited events. There is an additional $30 charge for those participating in the golf competition, which includes a cart.
The games are also a regional qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.
To learn more about Active Life Games visit hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/recreation-and-culture/recreation/tampa-bay-active-life-games.
Hillsborough Commissioners Seek Applications For Diversity Advisory Council
Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on the Diversity Advisory Council that meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations. The Council is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is comprise of two individuals from each of the following categories: African-American; Caribbean; Far East Asian; Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender; Hispanic/Latino; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; Northern and Southern European; People with Disabilities; and At-Large (identification with a specific category not required). Seven positions are vacant, three terms will expire. Terms are for two years. Positions are available for individuals from the following categories: African-American (1); Caribbean (1); Far East Asian (1); Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (2); Indian Asian (1); Middle Eastern (1); Native American (1); and Northern and Southern European (2).
Nominees must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. Appointees serve without compensation. Applications are due by the close of business on August 17. To learn more or to apply visit HCFLGov.net.
