Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam joined Farm Credit of Central Florida directors, Florida Strawberry Festival directors and the Strawberry Queen at the annual Strawberry Salute Breakfast March 2. This is the 19th year in a row the Bartow native has attended. This year, he spoke on his goals for the upcoming legislative session. “As we […]
Continue ReadingFestival’s FFA exhibit winners announced
The Florida Strawberry Festival announced the winners of the annual FFA exhibit competition Saturday, Feb. 28. In this year’s contest, Plant City FFA won first place, Turkey Creek FFA won second place, Tomlin FFA won third place and Marshall FFA won fourth place. Brandon FFA, Durant FFA and Strawberry Crest FFA all won awards of […]
Continue ReadingWinners of swine showmanship competition announced
After the youth swine show on the Florida Strawberry Festival’s opening day, the showmanship competition began. Instead of the animal being judged, the showmen are judged on how well they can present their animals to the judge. Senior: Carlos Curnow II Morgan Sodders Reagan Messick Intermediate: Grace Gainer Madison Smith Marissa Zolna Junior Chance Christie […]
Continue ReadingGrand champion swine awarded
The grand champion at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Swine Show was chosen Friday, Feb. 27, at the Patterson Co. Livestock Arena in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center. Chance Christie, a member of the Antioch Critters 4-H Club, exhibited the grand champion swine. Reserve grand champion was awarded to the Hillsborough County FFA Federation swine, shown […]
Continue ReadingLiving for the Strawberry Festival
Living for the Strawberry Festival Something was a little fruity at our office in Historic Downtown last week. The fragrance of Plant City’s blooming fields was brought in a delivery of newspaper bundles — not flats. And it’s because our 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide has a juicy strawberry on the front that smells just […]
Continue ReadingPCHS students compete in Rotary speech competition
Three Plant City High School students might have had knotted stomachs and shaking knees standing on stage in front of a packed group of Rotarians Monday, Feb. 23, at the John R. Trinkle Center. But they didn’t show it. With poise, each one delivered a well-written speech for an annual Rotary speech contest for a […]
Continue ReadingWinner: Sarah Haines
Sarah Haines said, “What else do you find at the end of a rainbow? Plant City of course!” The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! […]
Continue ReadingBuy Local: Top Shelf Bar and Grill
Did you know that every $100 spent at a local, independently-owned store generates $45 of secondary local spending, compared to $14 for a big-box chain? This was first tested in 2003 by the Institute for Local Self Reliance and is nearly identical to later results across multiple Civic Economic studies. The Plant City Times & […]
Continue ReadingHope Lutheran donates teddy bears
On Sunday, Feb. 15th, the members of Hope Lutheran Church celebrated their annual Teddy Bear Sunday. This day is always the Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day as it remembers God’s love. Teddy Bear Sunday, as directed by Hope’s Human Care Ministry Team, asks members to bring a new teddy bear to church with them that […]
Continue ReadingScholarship alert
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners wants to recognize the many positive contributions made by young people in the community through the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards. Nominations are being accepted now through March 13. YEA! Awards nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of the following categories: […]
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