The December 16 program was provided by Rotarian Billy Keel.  Billy introduced Plant City Mayor, Rick Lott and City Manager, Bill McDaniel.  Rick Lott recognized out club and the fact that it takes a lot of volunteers and organizations to help in keeping the city moving forward.  Rick also gave a special “shout out” to Rotarian, Randy Larson, for his work in helping get the XFL to Plant City. 

Businesses want to move to Plant City because of the vibrance of the people in the community and they are looking for city’s that are investing in themselves.  The Plant City EDC is doing a great job in making Plant City attractive to businesses around the country as a great place to headquarter their business.  Currently there are several projects underway…500,000 sq ft warehouse space, Home Depot, Lakeside Commerce, and Wish Farms to name just a few.  Total industrial projects exceed 3 million sq ft…about 3 times the size of the Brandon Mall!  The new development is very diverse with 40% being other than logistics.  There is 9 million sq ft of development in the works along the I-4 corridor with one third of it being in Plant City.

There are 45% more jobs in Plant City than there was 10 years ago.  Fortune 100 companies are looking at locating in the Plant City area.  The Main Street master plan beautification plan has a great impact on decision making and currently 6 projects have been approved by the City Commission.  Midtown should be breaking ground by the end of 2020.  A new community center, Fire Station #3, repaving, water tower, etc. shows the investment impact for the city.  Major housing developments will be popping up in the next 24 months. 

Bill McDaniel talked extensively about the McIntosh Park integrated master plan and vision.  Water management is a number one goal and the McIntosh project will make a huge difference.  This is undevelopable land with a great opportunity to build a great (destination) park.  The majority of the park will be funded by SWFMD of the $18 million project.  $9 million will be the responsibility of Plant City but could go down to as little as $1 million with help from other entities.  The project is currently in phase I.  This is the concept phase including: parking lot, a construction entrance, hiking trails, observation towers, bridges and boardwalks throughout the wetlands.  Educational and informative stations will be located throughout the park.  The vision of an “Ewok” village in the trees, with multiple platforms and walkways through the trees will be a major drawing feature of the park.  Phase 3 will be constructing a venue/meeting space. 

The City of Plant City continues to move forward and grow through great leadership, vision and community support!