EDITOR’S NOTE: Hometown Heroes is a recurring feature in the Plant City Observer in which we profile veterans from Plant City. If you have a loved one currently serving or who has served in the past, please contact Managing Editor Michael Eng by email at meng@plantcityobserver.com or by phone at (813) 704-6850. It wasn’t a […]
Continue ReadingHillsborough guild recognizes Strawberry Fest Best of Show
Sheila Haas isn’t an artist by trade. She’s a lab manager at a medical facility in Lakeland and only has been painting for three years. “I need to eat,” Haas said, jokingly. What she lacks in experience, she more than makes up for in talent. Since picking up the paintbrush, she’s earned several awards, including […]
Continue ReadingBealsville earns historical marker
A new historical marker was installed May 13, during a ceremony to honor the founding of Bealsville. Located next to the Bealsville Recreation Center on Nesmith Road, the marker symbolizes the close-knit community that was founded in 1865, by former slaves from nearby plantations in Hopewell and Springhead. The original settlers include Steven Allen, Isaac […]
Continue ReadingDiners enjoy old-fashioned tunes at Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery
Playing the piano seems to be Nancy Driscoll’s and Lynne Miley’s forte. You may have seen the duo gracefully pressing keys at the Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery, in Historic Downtown Plant City. The restaurant has had a 10-year history of having live musicians during its lunch hours. “We run our business on the […]
Continue ReadingO’Reilly Auto Parts to open next month
Plant City’s newest auto parts store should open next month. Signage and front glass are now installed at Plant City’s O’Reilly Auto Parts, 1704 James L. Redman Parkway. The retail shop sits adjacent to the new RaceTrac gas station, which opened in January. Mark Merz, director of external reporting and investor relations for O’Reilly, said […]
Continue ReadingCruising to Cozumel
Like mother like daughter. In the case of Marsha Passmore and Dodie White, the adage could not be more appropriate. For the past 14 years, the sisters taken their mother, Dora Beveard, on a tropical cruise for Mother’s Day. Not only are the sisters spoiling their mother, but also they are following in her footsteps. […]
Continue ReadingPlant City resident tours Taiwan
The rain drizzled against the windshield, as Sophia Hyde and her host family drove up the coast of Taiwan. The car sloped over mountains and volcanos, teetering alongside the rocky edge. Stopping to take pictures, Hyde stood on a platform overlooking the water. It was monsoon season on the Pacific island, and although the sky […]
Continue ReadingPlant City resident announces House campaign plans
Although the 2012 election just ended six months ago, Andy Goss already has his sights set on 2014. Goss plans to run against current U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross in the 15th District. “Watching what’s happening to my party — it just disgusts me,” Goss, a Plant City resident, said. “I don’t see any leadership. No […]
Continue ReadingPlant City High cosmetology students earn trip to nationals
After months of preparation, three cosmetology students from Plant City High School earned the honor of participating at the Skills USA National Competition June 24 to 28, in Kansas City, Mo. — if they can raise the funds to cover the cost of the trip. Ashley Bishop, Molly Copeland and Jana Watkins need to raise […]
Continue ReadingQuilters give comfort to children battling cancer
Although Inspire! Quilting and Sewing opened just last September, its owners spared no time getting involved with the community. Every first Saturday of the month since it opened, the downtown store has provided sewing room for members of ConKerr Cancer. The members sew pillowcases for children with cancer. Last weekend, the group celebrated the delivery […]
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