What are you looking forward to the most as a member of the court? I am excited to walk down the streets of the festival. As a kid, that was my most exciting thing, to see the court and the queen walk around with everybody else. Were you nervous during the pageant? Absolutely. I was […]
Continue ReadingFirst Maid: Deanna Rodriguez
How did you feel when they announced that you had been selected as first maid? I was just so excited and so lucky to be on the court and have a great year with the girls. Who is someone you want to thank for support and encouragement? I definitely have to thank my mom, because […]
Continue ReadingTaking the Stage
Meet some of the artists scheduled to perform at the 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival. HUNTER HAYES WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 1 TICKETS: $40 When you play 30 instruments — as singer-guitarist Hunter Hayes did on his self-titled debut album — time can slip away from you in the studio “Easily, 16-hour days are not a […]
Continue ReadingSecrets of ‘The Palace’
Being royalty is a lot of work, especially if you’re the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen or a member of her court. Between the meet-and-greets, big-name concerts and other festivities, the Strawberry Festival royals need some downtime. That’s why they have a hidden place on the festival grounds, known as “The Palace,” where they can relax […]
Continue ReadingTips from a festival veteran
It’s tough to top a good trip to the Florida Strawberry Festival on any given day. But, there are so many things to do and get caught up in that many festival-goers may miss out on something great. Or, in some cases, they may not even be able to find the parking to get there […]
Continue ReadingBourbon and Boweties releases special edition bracelet
Look out, strawberry bling shirts. This year, there’s some fashionable competition ladies will want to wear to the Florida Strawberry Festival. Locally grown jewelry brand Bourbon and Boweties is releasing a special edition gold strawberry bracelet to celebrate the Strawberry Festival. The launch is a homage to brand owner Carley Osch’s hometown, and the item […]
Continue ReadingP.C. football player wins Bill Minahan Award
Bill Minahan’s influence did not end when his life did. The spirit of the legendary Hillsborough County football coach, who died a little more than a year ago, was palpable at the Columbia Restaurant last month. Five county football players, all with inspiring qualifications, were honored as finalists for the inaugural Bill Minahan Award. Plant […]
Continue ReadingWin a Corvette
Stingray Chevrolet is giving away a Corvette to benefit Unity in the Community. Raffle tickets are only $5. Raffle tickets will be available until 6 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Stingray Chevrolet, 2002 N. Frontage Road, Plant City, and at the Florida Strawberry Festival from Thursday, Feb. 26, to Sunday, March 8. Tickets are also […]
Continue ReadingCutest Critter: Nemo
Angela Streit’s 6-month-old kitty, Nemo likes sleeping in clean clothes. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a monthly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and […]
Continue ReadingWe hear wedding bells
Joseph and Cecelia Herrmann, of Plant City, announce the engagement of their daughter, Karen Cecelia, to Jose Garza, of Houston, Texas. Karen is a 1995 graduate of Plant City High School and a 1999 graduate of the University of Florida, with a bachelor’s of science in accounting. She currently resides in Houston and works as a […]
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