Sat Feb 22 12:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Plant City News Roundup: Strawberry Festival, Food Drives, and More
**Plant City, FL –** Plant City is buzzing with activity, from the upcoming Florida Strawberry Festival to community initiatives and local achievements.
The **Florida Strawberry Festival**, running from February 27th to March 9th, will feature the Plant City Garden Club’s annual Horticulture Exhibit, the festival’s longest-running exhibit. Amateur growers from Hillsborough County can enter up to five plants on February 25th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Neighborhood Village Building (Gate 4). Entry forms are available online at [https://flstrawberryfestival.com](https://flstrawberryfestival.com) and [https://plantcitygardenclub.com](https://plantcitygardenclub.com). Cash prizes will be awarded.
Meanwhile, the community spirit is shining brightly. Hope Lutheran Church’s mobile food pantry, “Moving Hope,” will distribute groceries on February 20th at 6 p.m. in their parking lot (2001 North Park Road). No ID is required. Additionally, thanks to a Thrivent action grant, Hope Lutheran Church donated 855 pounds of food to the United Food Bank of Plant City, a heartwarming Valentine’s Day gesture.
Local resident Liam Demontmollin earned second place in the 12-13-year-old boys’ category at the State Regional Hoop Shoot, representing Plant City Elks Lodge #1727. He scored 20 out of 25 free throws.
New traffic signals at the intersection of Airport Road and Turkey Creek Road are now fully operational.
Finally, tickets for Reba McEntire’s performance at the Strawberry Festival have sold out, but tickets for other shows are still available online, by phone (813-754-1996), via the festival app, or at the Amscot Main Ticket Gate. The festival itself promises a packed schedule, with over 20 free stage performances, numerous rides, food vendors, and more.
First Piper 