Ellis Park playground gets upgraded
The City of Plant City announced last week the playground at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St., has finally gotten a much-needed facelift.
As part of an ongoing capital improvement program to replace aging playgrounds with more than 15 years of use, Ellis Park’s 19-year-old equipment was long overdue for an overhaul.
“The city was able to utilize a competitively bid contract with Clay County to secure the Landscape Structures playground equipment, safety fall zone surfacing, and installation at a price of $89,655.30 through the design specialists at Rep Services, Inc.,” Parks and Recreation Department Director Jack Holland said in a press release. “Utilizing the same contract last year, the city was able to replace the park’s well-worn swing sets and safety fall zone for $25,292.61.”
Armwood High School student killed in car accident near County Line Road
A student at Armwood High School was killed Sept. 1 following a car accident on Ralston Road.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said on Sept. 1 at approximately 11:45 p.m. a 2004 Ford Expedition, driven by a 16-year-old who is also a student at Armwood, was speeding on the Eastbound lanes of Ralston Road in Plant City. As it approached County Line Road the driver of the SUV hit a speed bump and lost control. The vehicle ran off the roadway and hit a tree.
HCSO said the 18-year-old passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. Another passenger, 19, suffered non-life threatening injuries. The driver and the passenger were transported to South Florida Baptist Hospital.
“Our hearts break for the victim, his family, and especially his friends who now have to live with this traumatic and devastating loss,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “The teen driver in this case had a learner’s permit, which under Florida law, means they can only get behind the wheel if there’s a person 21 years or older in the front passenger seat. This law exists for a reason and it’s imperative for parents to make sure their teen understands the dangers and rules of the road. We lost a young person who had a whole life ahead of them because of one bad decision that could have been avoided.”
This is an ongoing investigation, but at this time HCSO said deputies do not believe alcohol or drugs contributed to this crash.
GFWC Woman’s Club installations
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City installed 11 officers Tuesday morning at Lone Palm Golf Club in Lakeland.
Joining new President Patricia Wolff are First Vice President Judy Stewart, Second Vice President Sherry Scheitler, Third Vice President Marian Richardson, Treasurer Paula Hurlock, Assistant Treasurer Peggy Hyde, Recording Secretary Barbara Melton, Corresponding Secretary Annette Barwick and directors Pat Tillman-Shadd, Betty Astin and Gwen Barnes.
Meals on Wheels seeking volunteers
Meals on Wheels of Plant City is looking for drivers to deliver food for two hours a day, five days a week.
Volunteers pick up the day’s meals from Winn-Dixie, 205 W. Alexander St., between 10 and 10:30 a.m. and deliver to clients along their route for the next two hours. The group covers seven specific areas of Plant City.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call the Meals on Wheels office at 813-754-9932. Office hours are between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday through Friday.