Commissioner Scott Franklin was recently contacted by one of his insurance clients who wanted to donate personal protective equipment to first responders and public health agencies. Franklin, acting as a conduit, contacted organizations within the Lakeland community to secure the PPE. Tampa Bay Fisheries, Inc., a local food manufacturing company with locations in Dover and Plant City was able to secure 40,000 surgical masks and 75,000 nitrile gloves that they have donated to local city and county front-line employees.
These items are in high demand by those working in direct environments impacted by the coronavirus. Franklin said, “Tampa Bay Fisheries really wanted to help our first responders and healthcare personnel during this time of crisis and we are very grateful that they included our local agencies with some of this hard-to-find PPE gear.”
Danny Woodsen CEO of Tampa Bay Fisheries said, “My heroes are our 600 employees working to feed America and all other critical infrastructure employees putting their health at risk for the greater good of our country. I am very proud to work with this team and realize what it means to do our part.” Tampa Bay Fisheries will be donating a total of 40,000 masks and 75,000 gloves in two phases with the first donation happening Friday, April 10th and the second donation taking place next week.
Lakeland City Commissioner Scott Franklin, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Hillsborough County Fire Chief Dennis Jones will be tasked with ensuring the masks go to the necessary Departments, medical facilities and hospitals within their jurisdictions. Within Lakeland, donations will be going to the LakelandPD under Chief Ruben Garcia and the Lakeland Fire Department under Chief Doug Riley, as well as Lakeland Regional Health and Watson Clinic.
With the loss of many local jobs, Tampa Bay Fisheries is continuing to process food for retailers large and small and is currently hiring. Anyone can apply at www.tbfish.com or contact Human Resources at 813.752.8883.