A mission to help feed needy pets could be extinct without new donations. Meals on Wheels has been working for the past four years to bring small bags of food for pets along with their owners’ hot meals. But the donations have run dangerously low. Project originators, Nancy Driscoll and Rebecca Burns, have been digging […]
Continue ReadingOn the streets with Plant City Police Department Officer Clemente ‘Clem’ Fiol
There are only 30 minutes left on Plant City Police Department Officer Clemente “Clem” Fiol’s eight-hour shift. But, that’s when he gets his first call of the day. Call type: S49. It is an alarm call detecting a living room glass window break at a house on North Ferrell Street. For the past seven hours, […]
Continue ReadingChurch spearheads fundraiser to combat human trafficking
Maeng was just 5 years old when she first came to Kids Club, in Cambodia. Like any other preschooler, she sang songs, created artwork and played with the other children. Spunky and anything but shy, Maeng never missed a meeting. Then one day, Kids Club directors noticed she was walking strangely — her legs spread […]
Continue ReadingFirst United Methodist’s ERT preps for first mission
For the past year, members of the First United Methodist Church have been hammering away at disaster manuals and training sessions. Now, the 14 members of the church’s new Emergency Response Team are ready for field work. The ERT will leave for its first mission April 19, for Live Oak, an area that experienced devastating […]
Continue ReadingPlant City laces up for 2013 Relay for Life
It’s time again for Plant City’s annual Relay for Life. The event will take place April 19 to 20, at Plant City High School. Kicking off at 6 p.m., participants will walk late into the night and into the morning in support of those who are battling or have battled cancer. Last year, Plant City […]
Continue ReadingThe Dirty Truth
MUDZILLA MUD RUN WHEN: May 18; assigned a heat; Elite races start at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. WHERE: Corners of Prevatt and Coronet roads SPECIAL PROMO: MUD70 COST: $69 until April 13; $79 April 14 to May 15; $89 walk-ups ONLINE: facebook.com/MudzillaMudRun or www.mudzillamudrun.com Who knew that a little mud and obstacles could turn into […]
Continue ReadingLongstanding chamber employees retire
Two of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s most recognizable employees have announced their retirements. Tourist Information Specialist Al Collinge and Communications Director Nancy Benedict, who combined have worked for the chamber for nearly three decades, both are leaving their posts to spend more time with their families. Benedict’s last day was April 3; […]
Continue ReadingPlant City foodies share blueberry recipes
For about 30 days in March and April, it’s time to pick and sell Florida blueberries. That’s all the time growers have before the season begins in other parts of the country. But during half of that narrow window, Florida is the only place in the world growing fresh blueberries. Local restaurateurs, growers and foodies […]
Continue ReadingJackson Elementary plans Concert for a Cure
Peppy and youthful, Pim Sorber was diagnosed with cancer at just 32 years old. But the Jackson Elementary kindergarten aide won the battle. Now, two years later, she is doing whatever she can to help other cancer patients and survivors. With the help of some community choirs, she has organized Concert for a Cure, a […]
Continue ReadingHow to Pick the Perfect Blueberry
As the director of farming operations for Keel and Curley Winery, Ryan Keel knows a lot about blueberries. During blueberry picking season in April, Keel has about 100 pickers, whom he trains how to pick only the best blueberries. During the two days of the Blueberry Festival, visitors can join in on the last U-picks of […]
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