Residents engage with contenders for seats 3 and 4 in a community-focused forum.
Handshakes, small-group conversations, and plenty of local concerns filled the room Tuesday night as residents gathered at the Trinkle Center for a candidate forum hosted by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
More than a hundred people attended the event, which focused on candidates running for City Commission Groups 3 and 4. The evening began with a 30-minute meet-and-greet, where candidates spoke informally with voters. Some tables were filled with campaign literature, stickers, snacks, and coordinated color themes.
The relaxed setting gave residents a chance to connect face-to-face before the formal portion of the forum began.
Candidates for Group 3 (Gregory Boyle, Karen Kerr, Tony Smith, and Alicia Kirk Toler) and Group 4 (John Haney, Camryn Henry, Randy Toler, and Maurice D. Wilson Sr.) later took the stage for a structured question-and-answer session. Each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves and 90 seconds to respond to eight prepared questions. Rebuttals were not permitted, and participants were asked to keep the tone respectful.
Questions focused on issues top of mind for residents, including growth and development, budgets, flooding concerns, and the homeless crisis. Candidates also addressed individual priorities, such as affordable housing and green space improvements, and shared ideas ranging from increased government transparency to expanded community programs and public transportation to increased community engagement.
Several candidates emphasized the importance of managing rapid growth, with at least one suggesting a pause on new development to allow infrastructure to catch up.
Residents in attendance echoed those concerns. Don Marshall, a Walden Lake resident of 30 years, believes growth has outpaced planning in some areas. “We see the growth all around us, and I came tonight to hear directly from the candidates,” he said.
Jerilyn Rumbarger, president and CEO of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, said the event was designed to inform voters ahead of the election. “Once we saw there were eight candidates, we felt this event aligned perfectly with our mission,” she said. “We want residents to be as informed as possible. The best way to have your voice heard is at the polls, especially at the local level, where decisions impact daily life.”
The mayor also attended the event, underscoring the importance of civic engagement in the community.
Many candidates noted their grassroots efforts, including door-to-door outreach, as they work to connect with voters ahead of Election Day.
The forum concluded with a final question asking candidates what success would look like for Plant City at the end of their term, offering each a last opportunity to make their case to voters.
Plant City’s municipal election will be held April 7 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. Early voting is scheduled for April 3 – 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
With turnout in last year’s municipal election falling below 10 percent, candidates and organizers emphasized that even a small number of votes can shape the city’s direction. For residents, the upcoming election offers a direct say in how Plant City grows, invests, and preserves its character—but only if they show up at the polls.
For those who were unable to attend but want to learn more about the candidates, a recording of the forum is available from the Plant City Chamber at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UB2K3cy4Tk .
