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VOLUME 6, NO. 180
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
PCPD ROLLS OUT NEW TECH
NEW SYSTEM BRIDGES GAP BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITY
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
The Plant City Police Department just made an addition to its automated technology. Earlier this month, the police department rolled out the new customer service platform for public safety by SPIDR Tech, a California-based public safety company. When a call for service is sent out to dispatchers, the software will
automatically text message reporting parties and 911 callers with updates on the status of the call and any additional information. Crime victims will be notified through a text message about the status of their case through an investigative process. Reporting parties can also provide feedback on their interaction with the police department.The system helps to bridge the communication between law enforcement and the public should an emergency or disturbance arise.
This also comes as the police department has made additions to its communications department. It now has the RapidSOS system where it can pinpoint where a call is coming from if the caller doesn’t know exactly where they are located. This is a mapping system that spans across the nine zones that police officers oversee in Plant City.
Queen Kenley Connell
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2022 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER
Kenley Connell took home the queen’s crown after winning the title during the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen pageant, on Saturday, Jan. 22. She was one of 24 girls vying for the crown at the festival fairgrounds. The ladies had to perform a custommade commercial, a casual wear competition as well as an evening gown competition. Miss Congeniality was announced, and the contestants were narrowed down to 10 semifinalists, who had to answer the following: “The Strawberry Queen should have a servant’s heart. How would you demonstrate in serving the community or while helping others?” It ultimately came down to the Top 5 contestants. Aside from Kenley, Madison Davis became the First Maid, while Tamia Williams, Chloe Hopper, and Bailey Blanton became court members. Throughout the year, the ladies will make over 80 appearances. However, their biggest appearances could arguably be during the 11-day Florida Strawberry Festival in March, which brings in not only Floridians, but visitors from across the nation. The festival will take place from Thursday, March 3 to Sunday, March 13.
Courtesy of Deanna Hurley Photography
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