About Us

Past Presidents

Liesta Sykes

Henry Johnson

Bill Thomas Sr.

PAST SUCCESS / TRACK RECORD

Started as a civic organization in 1982. Became a 501c3 non profit organization in 1995.

Founded the Striving for Excellence Academy After-School Program in 1995 which is now today Simmons Career Center. This summer and after-school program operated at 1109 South Gibbs Street and served 112 students daily for over 7 years. Activities included tutoring, computer training, and field trips. When the school district determined the neighborhood could support an educational facility, the League pushed back on an alternative school and gained support for a Career Center instead. This program was started by Liesta Sykes who later became the first female to be elected and serve as President of the Improvement League of Plant City.

Raised funding to build the MLK Multi-purpose building in 1996 which serves as the Plant City Colts Clubhouse. The conceptual plans which were paid for by the league are on display at the Bing House Museum Library space.

WHAT GUIDES THE IMPROVEMENT LEAGUE ON WHAT WE DO? We follow a plan. Residents have inquired in recent years about a community plan. Is there a plan for the neighborhoods founded by blacks in Plant City? The answer is “YES”. Several organizations, churches, and community leaders worked collectively to develop a plan starting with Laura Street. Groups included Neighborhoods United, Plant City CDC, Coalition of Concerned Citizens, NAACP, and the Improvement League of PC. The plan comes in the format of two neighborhood studies by the City of Plant City in 2002 and 2004 titled the “Baker Reports”. These studies served as a blueprint that outlines steps to revitalize Laura Street. Projects included rezoning Laura Street to allow for mixed use (small businesses), making Laura Street a two-way street, building affordable housing – Laura Street Estates, adding cultural node, and beautification via substation and gateway signage. This blueprint can be later applied in a broader scope to Lincoln Park, Madison Park and Marshall Estates.

Worked with city to apply CDBG fundings to blighted areas in Lincoln & Madison Park. Sam Cooper Lake, Snowden Park, Marie B. Ellis Park, Drainage Improvements Laura Street, two way realignment of Laura Street and roadway improvements.

Worked with former Mayor Sadye Gibbs Martin to secure funding for the future Westside Boys & Girls Club of Plant City. This included traveling to Tallahassee with Nettie Draughton, City Manager and Mayor Martin to speak with state representatives.

Deeded the property at 205 Allen Street in 2002 to restore into the Janie L. Bing Rooming House African American Museum. Initial work is credited to the late grandson James “Jimmy” Washington, PBSJ Consulting for historic designation and James McDaniel Community Development Director with City of Plant City.

Project Management and Community Liaison for 1,100 acre former Cornet Mine Clean-up & rehabilitation. Reuse is limited to light industrial, and recreational. Lakeside Station, Lakeside Logistics Phases I, II, and III. The Improvement League of Plant City agreed to continue oversight of any potential redevelopment for the Superfund site and surrounding 1000 acre brownfield area. Future plans involve continued expansion of the Lakeside Logistics with warehouses and light industrial along with a potential recreation facility titled “Horseshoe Lake” with water amenities. The health and environmental concerns of Coronet were handled independently by several community leaders and another organization that obtained the services of the Law Office of Johnnie Cochran and Law Firm based at 100 Peachtree St NW #2600, Atlanta, GA 30303 during his in-person appearance at Plant City’s Allen Chapel AME Church on Laura Street.

Started the Plant City Youth Forensic Science Class for students grades 7 thru 11. Students earn Crime Lab Tech certification.

Neighborhood Signage identifying both Lincoln Park and Madison Park Neighborhoods.

Hosted several annual community events to promote cultural awareness. Taste of Laura Street & Blues, BBQ & Berries.

Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center and renaming of property to Plant City MLK Recreational Complex.