PC native appointed to rank of U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer
Darren Pierson is moving on up in the United States Navy, having recently earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.
The Plant City native, whose commissioning ceremony was held in Yokosuka, Japan, began his enlistment in 2003 and has served on shore and at sea around the world. Once Pierson’s training is complete, he will report to the USS Anzio in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I want to express my appreciation for the love and support of my family, without them I would be lost,” Pierson said in a news release. “My wife, Yana, is my anchor, and she’s been there from the beginning and we make all our big decisions together.”
County health department promotes mosquito control
Though the summer rains are finally starting to cool temperatures down, they’re also about to bring a flurry of mosquitoes to the Plant City area and Florida at large.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County wants residents to stay one step ahead of the game to prevent breeding and illness from getting out of hand. It’s promoting “Drain and Cover” this summer to do just that.
According to the department, mosquitoes can multiply using as small a body of water as what can fit in an upturned bottle cap. That’s why it’s important to drain standing water from anything outdoors that can accumulate it: garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, empty flower pots and any other vessel for rain or sprinkler water should be checked and emptied regularly. Bird baths and outdoor pets’ food and water dishes should be emptied and cleaned at least once a week, if not twice, and boats and vehicles should be covered in tarp that doesn’t accumulate water. Full-size swimming pools should be properly maintained and chlorinated, while plastic or inflatable pools should be emptied when not in use.
To further keep the ‘skeeters away, everything that can be covered should be. The department urges people to cover up with long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent when outside during peak mosquito activity hours. Children younger than two months should be protected with mosquito netting. Check your doors, windows and pool cages for broken screens and get them repaired as needed.
Other steps residents can take to help curb the mosquito threat include cleaning out gutters, picking up all cups and beverage containers, changing water in plant trays and hanging plant vessels once a week and clearing out drainage ditches as needed. For more information, visit floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/prevention.html.
PC Hampton Inn wins national award
Plant City’s Hampton Inn, located at 2702 Thonotosassa Road, has proven it’s a cut above the rest since opening two years ago and now has something to show for it.
The hotel won a Hilton Lighthouse Award for its commitment to service and customer loyalty. The worldwide hotel chain gives Lighthouse awards annually to “top performers” in the entire Hampton by Hilton network of franchises. Plant City’s Hampton Inn was deemed to be in the top five percent of franchises in terms of quality and was also ranked tops among all Hampton Inns in Florida.
“We are thrilled to have received this honor on behalf of the team at Hampton Inn by Hilton Plant City,” general manager Cory Drew said in a press release. “We believe in the importance of providing great hospitality from our hotel team to each and every person that walks through our door. Our team works every day to ensure our customer service, cleanliness, and overall experience is exceptional for every guest.”
The Plant City hotel has 89 guest rooms, 600 square feet of meeting space, a 24-hour TREATS shop, a fitness room and more. It is managed by Naples Hotel Group.