Last week’s program was presented by Rotarian Shane Karlson. Shane’s guest speaker was Plant City Chief of Police, Ed Duncan.Among his many accomplishments, during his 34 year career with the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office, Duncan served as an active SWAT team member, Criminal Investigations Division Deputy Commander, served as Commander of the Homeland Security Division and coordinated the activity of 2,700 security personnel for the Republican National Convention held in Tampa in 2012. Chief Duncan believes that things are changing in Plant City. The City is growing and so are the demands on the Police Department. The Plant City Police Department is fortunate to have a collaborative relationship with the Hillsborough County Sherriff department for help in major crime investigations. There have already been 5 murders in Plant City this year. Chief Duncan sees a big demographics change in Plant City. The Hispanic community is no longer a “migrant” population but are settling in the city and opening business and roots in the community. The challenge in the Hispanic community is the lack of trust in law enforcement and lack of cooperation. Traffic is another issue that is becoming “out of hand” in Plant City. It is imperative that improving our road infrastructure, especially with the growth, to handle the increase in traffic safely. There have been 4 fatalities already this year on Plant City roads. There are 4 police motor units on the road at all times trying to ensure people have safe driving habits. With the many events that Plant City sponsors it is important that the police, and the citizens, stay vigilant against terrorism attacks. There are Muslim converts in our city that could easily be influenced and radicalized. Everyone thinks that an attack can’t happen here…everyone needs to have the awareness of “what” could happen. ISIS is encouraging “lone wolf” attacks to wreak havoc. There are propaganda magazines “on-line” that are looking for people that can be easily influenced. Plant City does have high target areas for radicals including the hospital and the strawberry festival. The PCPD is briefed by the FBI on a regular basis and are informed of any questionable activity. The demand for service for PCPD is growing at over 10% as the officers responded to over 93,000 calls for service this year. There are great, dedicated and committed people working for PCPD! The PCPD Mission Statement: In partnership with the community, and while affording dignity and respect to all persons, our mission is to maintain order, improve the quality of life of our citizens, and develop our members to their greatest potential”-submitted by Mike Arndt
Club News
Holiday Meeting Dates
Just a reminder, there will be no meetings on Monday December 26th or Monday January 2nd as we break for Christmas and New Years.
The annual club Christmas party will be this Thursday, December 15th. The party will be held at the Plant City Elks Lodge. Remember to bring 2 unwrapped Christmas gifts (1 for a girl and 1 for a boy.)
Program Chairman John Haney is our program chairman. Please notify him regarding upcoming speakers and programs. Call 813-716-5108 or email John at jhaney@acebid.com
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CNBC has ranked The Rotary Foundation No. 3 in its annual list of Top 10 Charities Changing the World in 2016. The list includes some of the largest and highest-rated charities that help women, children, the poor, and the environment throughout the world, according to Charity Navigator, and that maintain high standards of financial health, accountability, and transparency of reporting.
The Foundation was noted for connecting 1.2 million members from more than 200 geographic areas to tackle the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges, including projects that focus on disease prevention,...
On Wednesday, over breakfast with the Rotary Club of Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Smith announced a donation of AU$1 million to Rotary (about US$750,000), citing admiration of Rotary members for the time they devote to others.
The Rotary Australia Benevolent Society (RABS) will administer the funds.
“With 29,500 Rotarians in 1,100 clubs throughout Australia, we have an army of volunteers eager to assist those in need,” says Michael Perkins, RABS chair. “The impact of this donation will be felt throughout all of Australia, from the cities to the...
Each month, eBay, the world’s largest auction website, selects a set of upcoming Live Auction events and donates a portion of all sales proceeds to Rotary. Only U.S. auction sales are eligible. See the schedule of December auctions.
Though Atlanta has seen its share of violence and inequity over time, today it brims with reminders that there is another way. Get inspired while you’re visiting for the 2017 Rotary International Convention from 10 to 14 June.
Take a short walk from the convention center to the Center for Civil and Human Rights. There, you can see the handwritten notes, speeches, and sermons of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., experience an interactive 1960s-era lunch counter “sit-in,” and learn more about persecuted groups all over the world.
A streetcar will take you to the Martin Luther King Jr...
CNBC has ranked The Rotary Foundation No. 3 in its annual list of Top 10 Charities Changing the World in 2016. The list includes some of the largest and highest-rated charities that help women, children, the poor, and the environment throughout the world, according to Charity Navigator, and that maintain high standards of financial health, accountability, and transparency of reporting.
The Foundation was noted for connecting 1.2 million members from more than 200 geographic areas to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, including projects that focus on disease prevention,...
