Sisters Angie Rollyson and Autumn Parrish are coming out of their starting blocks in full force. The women — the honorary survivors for this year’s Plant City Relay for Life — are organizing the first Sole Sisters 5K as a benefit for the annual American Cancer Society event. The 5K will take place at 8 a.m. March […]
Continue ReadingVanquish drumline rolls with community support
Ollis Greaves was tired of hearing, “No.” As a band member at Plant City High School, the students wanted to start a drumline, but the administration killed the idea. When he graduated and got a job at the high school to teach percussion, he wanted to start a drumline for the students, but again, the […]
Continue ReadingPlant City adds fluoride to water supply
It’s been three years since the Hillsborough County Health Department approached the Plant City Commission about adding fluoride to the municipal water supply. Fluoride finally began flowing into Plant City’s water March 1. About 13,000 households now receive fluoridated water. “Over the last few years, we were beginning to wonder if this day was ever […]
Continue ReadingRyan Homes relaunches Walden Reserve
With a new builder and a revised rezoning, residents hope 2013 will be a good year for Walden Reserve. NVR-owned Ryan Homes recently purchased the remaining 31 lots of the 52-lot subdivision, located the north side of West Trapnell Road. And now, after obtaining Plant City Commission approval to allow a larger home on each […]
Continue ReadingLabor shortage leaves fruit behind
In recent years, those lamenting the economy have sung a similar tune: No jobs. However, since Ted Campbell took the helm as president of the Florida Strawberry Grower’s Association four years ago, he’s experienced the opposite problem: A labor shortage has left unpicked fruit to spoil in the sun. And this year is no exception. […]
Continue ReadingLocal director premiers film
Charles Box Jr. already has been to the internationally acclaimed Cannes Film Festival, in France. Now, the Plant City native is gearing up for a return trip, this time, with his short film, “Welcome to the South.” Box wrote, produced, directed and narrated the 15-minute film, which follows single mother Tyretha as she tries to […]
Continue ReadingFamily remembers Neva Wilson Merckle
Neva Wilson Merckle was the first and only branch manager at the Plant City office of the Clerk of Circuit Court. The position was retired with her in 2001, after 32 years of service. Mrs. Merckle died Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, after a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. “Neva passed from this world into heaven […]
Continue ReadingPlant City girl battles rare bone disease
Twelve-year-old Breanna Coleman has had 37 broken bones and undergone 14 surgeries. She lives every day with caution — and with an impending accident looming over her head. Something as simple as pulling a Band Aid off her arm could break it. And it has. Breanna has osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition she was born with that […]
Continue ReadingFormer Mayor Randy Larson hits open road for PSI
Randy Larson traveled more than 20,000 miles during his ‘500 in Five’ campaign. Courtesy photo. Although Randy Larson only has served as president of Professional Service Industries since October 2011, his presence is felt throughout the company. Early on, he set a large goal for the company: Grow from a $200 million business in 2011 […]
Continue ReadingUp close with actor Ben Rawnsley
Like many working professionals, Ben Rawnsley has a home office. But instead of paperwork piled high on his desk, Rawnsley has award-nominated DVD copies of movies that aren’t even released yet, sent directly to him by the Screen Actors Guild. And on his wall are pictures of movie stars, autographed to him. Even more impressive, […]
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