FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024
VOLUME 11, NO. 41
BRUTON LIBRARY BOOKMARKED FOR EXPANSION Work slated to start in 2025 PAUL CATALÁ STAFF WRITER
The last time significant expansion and new amenities were added to the Bruton Memorial Library was in 1993. But as Plant City’s population continues to increase, in an effort to better serve residents and guests, Plant City is bookmarking plans to make the library a better place to study, read, relax and explore.
During the March 25 regular meeting of the Plant City City Commission, a resolution was unanimously approved to develop a Master Plan and get an architectural work order for future improvements to the Bruton library, named for Quintilla Geer Bruton and Judge James D. Bruton, Jr. New amenities under consideration for the library founded by the Women’s Club in 1925 include: a meeting room with seating for at least 125 patrons; a separate youth area with its own restroom; increased study room
and meeting room space; a sensory room and nursing room; and more shelving space. The City has solicited ASD|SKY Tampa for architectural design, planning, a feasibility analysis not to exceed $85,760 and rendering services for future needs of the City.
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VIETNAM VETERANS DAY CELEBRATED AT VETERANS’ MONUMENT PARK Many pay tribute at Plant City’s first Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Event.
MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
Veterans, community members and officials gathered Friday, March 29 at Veterans’ Monument Park to pay tribute to Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam Veterans Day. The solemn ceremony commenced with an invocation by Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks, US Army Chaplain, Retired, the presenta-
tion of colors by Plant City High School JROTC members and pledge of allegiance led by Sherry Scheitler. Then, the national anthem, performed by Hope Storter, echoed through the gathering as attendees stood in silent reverence, some standing at attention in a salute while others put their right hands over their hearts. Notable speakers included Commissioner Mike Sparkman, Army veteran Chad Landry and State Representative and
Retired Army Veteran Danny Alvarez, took to the podium to express gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans, many of whom did not receive a proper homecoming. Alvarez, speaking to many Vietnam veterans who sat in the audience, apologized for the homecoming they received and promised to forever work to right the wrong. “The story of a Vietnam veteran to me is the story of the shame of a nation
that we will never rectify,” he said. “If you’re a Vietnam veteran what happened to you was unforgivable. I don’t care what the temperature of a nation is, when a man or woman signs on the dotted line, there is nothing but incredible honor due to that person, whether you agree with the policies of your government or not.”
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