Gary Pike Honored with Scouting America’s Soaring Eagle Award

The Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation is proud to celebrate our founder and chairman, Gary Pike, who was honored by Scouting America with the prestigious Soaring Eagle Award.

The recognition was presented during this year’s Scouting America event in Plant City, bringing together local leaders, community partners, families, and supporters of youth development. The event celebrated the lasting impact of Scouting America and the leaders who continue to strengthen the values of service, character, leadership, and commitment across our community.

For the Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation, this honor is especially meaningful. Gary’s work has always been rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when a community supports those who serve, everyone becomes stronger.

As founder and chairman of the Foundation, Gary has helped build a bridge between residents, businesses, civic leaders, and the Plant City Police Department. His vision has created meaningful ways for the community to support law enforcement beyond traditional budgets, while also strengthening the relationship between officers and the people they serve.

The Soaring Eagle Award reflects many of the same values that guide the Foundation’s work: integrity, leadership, service, generosity, and a deep commitment to the future of Plant City.

Scouting America has long focused on helping young people grow into ethical, responsible, service-minded leaders. Through outdoor adventure, mentorship, practical skills, and lifelong values, Scouting continues to shape young people who are prepared to lead with courage, responsibility, and purpose.

The presence of local business owners who are also Eagle Scouts added another meaningful layer to the event. Their attendance served as a reminder that Scouting’s impact continues long after a young person earns the rank of Eagle. The values of service, discipline, leadership, and responsibility often become the foundation for a lifetime of civic and professional contribution.

Those same values are visible in Gary’s leadership. His dedication to Plant City reaches far beyond one organization or one project. Through his service, generosity, and steady commitment to others, Gary has helped strengthen civic life throughout our community.

The event was also a reminder of how connected Plant City truly is. Events like this bring together people who care deeply about youth, public safety, community service, and the future of our city. The Foundation is grateful to be part of that shared mission.

A special thank you is also extended to Ryan Danielik and Outback Steakhouse for catering the event and helping make the evening a meaningful gathering for all who attended.

On behalf of the Friends of the Plant City Police Department Foundation, we congratulate Gary Pike on this well-deserved honor. His leadership continues to inspire us, and his example reminds us that strong communities are built by people who are willing to serve, give, lead, and invest in something bigger than themselves.

Please join us in congratulating Gary on receiving Scouting America’s Soaring Eagle Award.