Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 1-22-16 Edition

Local
Former Plant City Mayor Seeks Seat On Hillsborough County Commission
John Dicks has an- nounced his candidacy for Hillsborough County Com- missioner, District 6. Dicks, a Democrat and former three- term Mayor of Plant City, em- phasized he will bring a unique skill set to the Com- mission as it sets a course for the future of Hillsborough County.
“There are no former Mayors serving on the Com- mission, nor lawyers, nor farmers. I would fill all three roles, providing leadership to build consensus on the many issues our county faces,” Dicks said.
He noted that “Hillsbor- ough County is at a cross roads. The decisions made and the actions taken over the next years will impact our county for decades. We must ensure that our Commission is one which serves public concerns, rather than favors
ing a welcoming managed growth environment while ensuring a commitment to the area’s agricultural her- itage.
Dicks is a lawyer and en- trepreneur with several busi- ness interests. A financial
lecturer, he’s worked and spoken in all 50 states of America and several coun- tries around the world. Sev- eral years ago, along with his wife of 38 years, he returned to his family roots of farming, establishing a blueberry farm
and a ranch for cattle grazing. His blueberry farm is situ- ated on land once owned and farmed by his grandfather, E. W. Simmons, who, perhaps ironically, was also a Hills- borough County Commis-
sioner.
JOHN DICKS
private interests.”
As the former Mayor of
Plant City, and having served nine years on the City Com- mission, Dicks noted many accomplishments during his tenure. Plant City expanded parks and public services, while creatively crafting solu- tions for drainage and infra- structure needs. Proper planning was key to develop-
Meetings
Blake Class Of 1966
Howard W. Blake Class of 1966 Reunion Class Meeting will be held at the Open Café, Thursday, January 28th at 10:30 a. m. All classmates are asked to attend.
Blake Class Of 1961
The Howard W. Blake High School Class of 1961 will meet Saturday, January 23, 2016, 1 p. m. at C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Branch Library, 2607 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Looking forward to seeing you!
Workshop
Free Home Owner Or Buyer Assistance Program
Neighborhood Corporation of America is holding a free workshop at Covenant Family Church for people who are losing their home, need to refinance or buy a new home. The event will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016, 9 a. m. – 1 p. m. Covenant is located at 6321 US Highway 301 South, Riverview, FL 33578, Dr. Reba Haley, Pastor.
After attending the workshop, those who qualify may be el- igible for $5,000 down payment. For more information, contact Dr. Haley at (813) 716-3996.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A