Almontha “Rose” Meadows told her daughter-in-law, Vickie Meadows, to live every day like it’s her last. After all, that’s what Meadows has been doing for more than 100 years, and it seems to be working. Meadows, who simply goes by Rose, celebrated recently her 103rd birthday surrounded by family, friends and staff, at the Health […]
Continue ReadingWhispering Woods commuity transitions to resident control
With the construction nearly complete and most of the homes sold in Plant City’s Whispering Woods, builder DR Horton transitioned leadership last month to the community’s first homeowners association board. Moving forward, the new, four-member HOA, with the help of management company Meritus Associations, will be charged with managing the community’s HOA dues and the […]
Continue ReadingLongtime volunteer shines at Trapnell Elementary
Mimi Copen is a familiar face in the halls of Trapnell Elementary School. She’s there every week, but not because she’s a paid faculty member — she’s a dedicated volunteer. Sitting in the inner courtyard, the feisty, leopard print-wearing mom says hello to almost everyone who walks by. They know the familiar face as an […]
Continue ReadingPlant City man arrested on sex charges
The co-owner of the Hungry Gator Meat Market in Historic Downtown Plant City was arrested on sex charges, March 8. Christopher Shane Smith, 36, was arrested on two counts of lewd or lascivious battery, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was a girl under the age of 16. Both offenses occured at […]
Continue ReadingDurant grad’s Air Force career takes flight
It is lunchtime, but Hole-in-One Donuts off Alexander Street is still bustling with breakfast customers. The Kun family operates the business, and it’s members always greet patrons with a smile. Tommy Kun once worked at the same counter, helping his dad, Sam, early in the mornings to prepare the shop for the breakfast rush. He […]
Continue ReadingCelebration of Life planned for Pruets
It was a rare instance when Charles and Alicia Pruet missed a volunteer opportunity at the Meals on Wheels in Plant City. Mondays were “their” days. They drove a route that covered the eastern side of town. Looking back on the books, volunteer Rebecca Burns noted the duo had been volunteering since 1999. “They were […]
Continue ReadingRed Rose Inn & Suites back on market
The Red Rose Inn & Suites is back on the market, listed in mid-February for $3.95 million, through Florida Executive Commercial Brokers Inc. LBMT Properties LLC, led by Louis Spiro, of Pinellas Park, purchased the 280-room Red Rose for $1.5 million at the beginning of the year. Because the Red Rose and 7.8-acre property sat […]
Continue ReadingKrazy Kup to add recording studio
Since Krazy Kup opened late last year, it has built quite a reputation as being a cozy neighborhood coffeehouse. Now, its owners want to expand that image. Frank and Wenda Trunzo, have been working to add a musical note to their shop. They already have invited local bands and performers to play in the upstairs […]
Continue ReadingPlant City students triumph in livestock arena
Although the rides, food and entertainment may grab the most attention at the Florida Strawberry Festival, the annual event also includes some serious business for Plant City-area ag competitors. This week, we meet some of the champions of the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival. Grand Champion Steer: Clay Joyner Reserve Grand Champion: Shannon Gill For Strawberry […]
Continue ReadingLove is in the air
For Plant City native Matthew Pass, the Florida Strawberry Festival always has been a big part of his life. But this year, he made a memory on the grounds he will never forget. Pass proposed to his girlfriend, Jennifer Aquino, atop a glittering ferris wheel. And although the evening ending perfectly, it didn’t start out […]
Continue Reading
