The Plant City Commons Community Garden saw a blossoming interest from the community over the course of quarantine as many turned to the outdoor venue to escape. In response, it upped its offerings and now has a full calendar of outdoor events to keep attendees actively while socially distancing in nature.
A long-awaited dedication ceremony was held for Fire Station Three on Park Road. The special event signified the opening of the station, which will help fill the growing demand for service on the other side of town.
Hopewell Baptist Church turned 150 years old and held a special celebration in honor of the milestone. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail opened — with some substantial adaptations to accommodate CDC guidelines — and featured its renowned spooky haunts. The GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City held a special event to remind local women of the fight for the right to vote in hopes of encouraging them to take that responsibility seriously and show up to the polls in the upcoming election. Dee Dee Grooms, Chevelle Hallback, Michelle Valdes, Essie Dixon Lewis and Gwen Thomas joined The Observer’s exclusive list of Wonder Women.
A massive Halloween event was held in downtown Plant City thanks to Plant City Main Street. Meanwhile, many other organizations adapted their traditional trunk-or-treats into drive-through candy pickups.
Marsha Passmore was named Aspire Plant City’s inaugural Woman of Distinction due to her years of selfless dedication to Plant City and her inspiring, influential character. Greater St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church rallied the community in its Parade to the Polls to encourage voters to take part in early voting.