FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
VOLUME 11, NO. 44
PLANT CITY COMMISSION MEETS COMMISIONERS ARE TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS DAVE HOOVER STAFF WRITER
The City of Plant City Commission meeting opened with a prayer by Pastor Dennis Roebuck of the First United Methodist Church, for wisdom for the decisions that would be made by the Commission that night. In a refreshing show of patriotism, the assembly then stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Nathan A. Kilton chaired the meeting. City Commission members contribute to the proceedings, ask questions, discuss and debate items on the agenda, and vote. In attendance were Vice Mayor Mary T. Mathis, Commissioner Jason M. Jones, Commissioner William D. Dodson, City Manager Bill McDaniel, City Attorney Kenneth W. Buchman, and City Clerk Kerri J. Miller. At several points in the meeting the floor is offered to the public to comment or ask questions.
THE MEETING BEGAN WITH THREE PROCLAMATIONS. First, the Commission recognized April 21-27 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The first recognition of victims’ rights was proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981. The proclamation reads, in part: “...National Crime Victims’ Rights Week provides an opportunity to recognize the importance of crime victims’ services; to ensure that crime victims have access
to services and support; and to promote discussion on how communities, organizations, and professionals can work together to reach all victims....” State Attorney Susan “Suzy” Lopez and Christopher Jeffords – Victim Counselor with the Victims Assistance Program, accepted the proclamation.
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AMVETS’ FINAL TOUR OF DUTY POKER RUN BENEFITS VETERANS More than $8,000 raised for cremation services for honorably discharged veterans in need.
MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER
Dozens of veterans rode their bikes, trikes and Can-Ams across central Florida Saturday to raise funds for funeral expenses for veterans in need. The Final Tour of Duty Poker Run, hosted by AMVETS Squadron 44 in Plant City, kicked off in the morning as bikers gathered to register and chat with friends and fellow bike enthusiasts. With engines revving and spirits high, the participants embarked on a scenic journey through Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties, making stops at American Legion 72 in Mulberry, AMVETS Post 550 in Zephyrhills and AMVETS Post 32 in Lakeland before returning to AMVETS Post 44 in Plant City. At each checkpoint, participants drew
one card, with the goal of having the best poker hand at the end of the ride. The rider with the winning hand won $150. The person with the lowest hand won $50. Eric Cobb, AMVETS Squadron 44 riders president, said the event is all about helping Hillsborough County veterans who can’t afford basic burial services or cremation. “This is the first year we’re doing this and hopefully will become an annual event,” he said. The group partnered with Pinellas-based Veterans Funeral Services, a full-service funeral home built around the military and veteran community, to distribute the funds. Rider Jodi Wood, a longtime AMVET member who works at the Veterans Administration in Orlando, loved to support
not only her Post but the cause. “I hear about veterans that don’t have any family or anybody to take care of them and they don’t have funeral costs,” she said. She has witnessed the practice the Final Mile Program, a practice that gathers community members and Veterans to honor the lives and service of unclaimed Veterans with no known next of kin. “Riders hear about it and come to the VA to witness the ceremony and escort those veterans to the cemetery, it’s touching,” she said. Wood also while the funds benefit other Veterans, the ride benefits her. “Riding is freedom and wind therapy,” she said. “It’s like when you go to the beach and the sound of the ocean surrounds you, it’s kind of what it’s like on a bike, there’s no better feeling.”
When poker run riders returned to the AMVET Plant City, they enjoyed a 50/50 drawing, basket raffles, music, food and an auction. Cobb said they had a goal of raising $3,000 but when when the money was counted they raised more than $8,000. The high-hand poker winner chose not to pocket the money but used her winnings to purchase raffle tickets. The low-hand winner was Mike Bearman. AMVETS Post 44 Commander John “Doc” Cameron said the event is just one way the group of veterans supports other veterans. “This is a heartfelt mission we’re on and we hope to continue it,” he said. “It was a great day for a ride for a wonderful cause.”