Photos courtesy of Mike Stocker
On any given day, a drive down Highway 92 or along Coronet Road reveals a side of Plant City that could use a little extra care. Scattered litter along the roadside, debris caught in fences, and neglected corners of rural property have quietly become part of the landscape. For longtime resident Mike Stocker, that view finally reached a tipping point.
“I got tired of driving past it,” he said. “You see it enough times, and at some point, you either ignore it or you decide to do something.”
Stocker chose to do something. What started as a simple idea has grown into Plant City Trash Bash, a grassroots effort focused on cleaning up litter, restoring pride in overlooked areas, and bringing the community together through hands-on service.
Unlike many beautification efforts that focus on highly visible downtown spaces, Plant City Trash Bash is intentionally turning its attention outward. Stocker is concentrating on the outskirts of Plant City, including rural roads and stretches that fall within Hillsborough County property. These are areas that often see less frequent maintenance but experience steady traffic and, as a result, a buildup of trash.
The need is especially noticeable along Highway 92, a heavily traveled corridor, and Coronet Road, where litter and discarded mattresses tend to collect along ditches and roadside edges. Stocker said these locations are among the first priorities as he begins organizing cleanup efforts.
Plant City Trash Bash is not just about picking up garbage. At its core, the initiative is about building a sense of shared responsibility. Stocker has already begun connecting with local schools, encouraging students to get involved and learn the value of community stewardship at a young age. He is also working alongside Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful and local Boy Scout groups, forming partnerships that can help expand both reach and impact.
By involving students and youth organizations, Stocker hopes to create a ripple effect that extends beyond a single cleanup day. The goal is to instill habits that last.
The initiative is still in its early stages, but momentum is building. Stocker is currently organizing regular weekend cleanup events, with a larger gathering planned in connection with Earth Day. On Saturday, April 25, he hopes to bring residents together for a community-wide effort with a bit of friendly competition built in.
The idea is simple. Volunteers will spread out across designated areas and see who can collect the most bags of trash. While the competition adds an element of fun, the underlying purpose remains serious.
“It’s a way to get people excited and involved,” Stocker said. “At the end of the day, everybody wins because the community is cleaner.”
Looking ahead, Stocker’s vision extends beyond roadside litter. One of his longer-term goals is to assist seniors and disabled residents who may struggle to keep up with property maintenance. In some cases, overgrown yards or accumulated debris can lead to code enforcement fines, creating additional stress for those already facing challenges.
Plant City Trash Bash aims to step in where help is needed most.
That neighbor-to-neighbor approach is part of what sets the initiative apart. It is not just about aesthetics. It is about compassion, dignity, and making sure no one feels left behind.
As the effort grows, community support will play a key role in its success. Stocker is currently seeking donations of basic supplies such as trash bags, gloves, safety vests, grabbers, and bottled water. Local businesses and residents alike have an opportunity to contribute in tangible ways, whether through materials, sponsorship, or volunteer time.
For those interested in getting involved, the process is simple. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Stocker emphasizes that even a small amount of time can make a noticeable difference.
Plant City Trash Bash is still finding its footing, but its mission is clear. It is about taking ownership of shared spaces and proving that meaningful change does not always require large-scale programs or funding. Sometimes, it starts with one person deciding they have seen enough and inviting others to join in. Stocker hopes that invitation resonates.
At its heart, Plant City Trash Bash is built on a simple idea that small actions can lead to meaningful change. For Mike Stocker and the growing number of volunteers joining the effort, it is not about tackling everything at once, but about showing up, doing the work, and trusting that it adds up. Their mission says it best: one bag, one street, one neighborhood at a time.
Those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about upcoming cleanup events can reach out directly via email at plantcitytrashbash@gmail.com or visit pct-b.com
Update: Since this interview, Plant City Trash Bash has taken an important step forward, securing fiscal sponsorship and officially operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, further supporting its mission to serve the community.
