Anglers Reel In Awards At Fishing Tournament
A total of 55 young anglers between the ages of five and 15 participated in the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department’s bi-annual Youth Fishing Derby on March 11. The gators steered clear as participants hooked bass, catfish, bluegill and even a turtle or two from the pond behind the Plant City Stadium. Twelve-year-old Zander Kent, who attended with his parents and best friend Samuel McDaniel, used a rattle lipless crank bait to reel in a 4.16 lb. bass, the largest fish of the day. “This is my first tournament win,” he said.
Awards were presented for First Overall Caught Catfish, First Overall Caught Bass and Most Fish Caught and Largest Fish caught (by weight) in each age group. A special Captains Award was announced to Ben and Peyton Wells for allowing judges to borrow their handheld fish scale.
The next Youth Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Winners included:
First Overall Bass Caught: Dyer Hayes (12), 3.04 lb. bass
First Overall Catfish Caught: Brooklynn Wood, 2.27 lb. catfish
Most Fish Caught (5-10 age group) -This year we did have a cast-off competition as there was a tie for a total of five fish caught with Declan Cadavid (5) reeling in the award, followed by the runner up Addyson Ryals (5)
Largest Fish Caught (5-10 age group): Brantley Bush (10) 2.11 lb. bass, & Levi Hodgson (5), 2.09 lb. catfish
Most Fish Caught (11-15 age group): Griffin Smith (11), 18 total fish (17-bluegill and 1 walking catfish)
Largest Fish Caught (11-15 age group): Zander Jent (12), 4.16 lb. bass
Help Paying For Internet Service Available
If you or someone you know needs help paying for internet services, you may qualify for a monthly discount on a new or existing internet service plan through a government program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You may also qualify for a one-time device discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.
Here are ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
* Based on your household income.
* If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid or WIC.
* If you or anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefit.
To apply, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov or call 1-877-384-2575 to request an application. Once your application is approved, you can contact a participating internet service provider to start receiving your monthly discount. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
2023 Dean’s Ride Begins/Ends
at Keel Farms
Registration is now open for 2023 Dean’s Ride on Saturday, March 25 starting at 7:30 a.m. at Keel Farms, located at 5202 Thonotosassa Road. The annual event consists of four cycling distances: 61-mile Metric Century, 35-mile Half-Metric Century, 24-mile Quarter-Metric Century and 9-mile Family Ride. The routes will traverse quiet country roads north of Plant City with riders enjoying the sweet scent of the strawberry fields, views of Lake Thonotosassa and sounds of farm animals. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Plant City YMCA and programs like LIVESTRONG, a free wellness program for cancer survivors. Online registration is available until March 24. The entry fee is $65 for the Century races and $25 for the Family Ride. For more information or to register visit www.pcdeansride.com.
IRS Tax Tip
Taxpayers who aren’t able to file by the April 18 deadline can request an extension before that deadline, but know that an extension to file is not an extension to pay taxes. If you owe taxes, pay them before the due date to avoid potential penalties and interest on the amount owed. Taxpayers who request a six-month extension to file their taxes have until October 16 to file their 2022 income tax return. Individual taxpayers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File at IRS.gov/FreeFile to request an automatic six-month tax-filing extension.
Playground Gets New Equipment
New playground equipment has been installed at Gilchrest Park, located at 704 North Pennsylvania Avenue. The ADA-accessible park includes a two-user Friendship Swing, sensory structures, a We Saw, a grip-free Saddle Spinner and more.