Changes put in place for Plant City parade

Friday, December 5, 2008

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Tragedy struck the parade last year when a child was killed by a float.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Changes have been put in place to prevent another tragedy at the Plant City holiday parade.

But those changes may not be exactly what city leaders had in mind.

Last year, 9-year-old Jordan Hays died when he tried to pick up a piece of candy, became entangled with a parade float wheel and was run over.

Recently, city commissioners passed a resolution banning candy and beads - but parade organizers aren't taking that advice entirely.

Plant City Police Chief Bill McDaniel suggested buying barricades to keep paradegoers off the streets.

The parade committee has decided to allow the candies and beads but there are some new rules in place for tonight's parade.

More Information

Floats with protruding wheels are not allowed, there will be no throwing of candy (it must be handed out) and everyone must walk behind the floats, not beside them.

The city also will have an emergency command center set up just in case something happens.

More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the parade, now in its 25th year and featuring more than 100 floats, which begins at 6 p.m.

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