James N. Yates Sr., 90, of Balm, and formerly Ironville, Kentucky, died Feb. 23, 2015. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and a retired electrician with Allied Chemical in Ashland, Kentucky. He is survived by his children, James N. “Jimmy” (Donna) Yates Jr., Marcia (Chuck) Forrest and Debbie (Brian) Ratliff; nine grandchildren; […]
Continue ReadingEntrepreneurial teen co-manages farmers’ market
At just 14, Michael Stanley has already had more professional accomplishments than some people have in a lifetime. He operates a baked goods business completely on his own, he has designed numerous professional websites, and now, he is the co-manager of the Plant City Local Harvest Farmers’ Market. When he visited the market during its […]
Continue ReadingNew Bruton Memorial Library director takes lead
Tonda Morris started her position as the new director of Bruton Memorial Library Feb. 16. She had been working as a librarian in Georgia, but Morris is happy to return to her hometown after years of being away. “She met all of our qualifications for the position, she did an excellent job in the interview […]
Continue ReadingFilm production ordinance approved by commission
City commissioners approved Monday, Feb. 23, an ordinance requiring filmmakers to have a permit if they are filming within the city limits. Plant City did not previously have laws regarding filmmaking. The ordinance, effective immediately, is consistent with an initiative throughout Hillsborough County to instate the requirement for permits in all of the county’s municipalities. […]
Continue ReadingBailey student wins art contest
A local elementary school student, inspired by a man she met while serving the homeless, was selected as the only Plant City winner in a district-wide art contest for Black History Month. LEAD, which stands for lead, empower, advocate, dream, is a contest in which students are asked to create a work of art that […]
Continue ReadingWalden Lake golf course files plans
Visions Golf LLC, owner of Walden Lake Golf & Country Club and its two 18-hole courses, has submitted plans for constructing more than 300 homes on the site of The Hills course in Walden Lake. Last winter, Visions Golf submitted an application to the City of Plant City for a rezoning of The Hills, in […]
Continue ReadingDetails revealed for new Hampton Inn
City officials have announced that Henderson Properties LLC has purchased a vacant area adjacent to Interstate 4 and plans to turn the site into a Hampton Inn. The hotel will be at 2702 Thonotosassa Road, behind the existing Waffle House and just across the street from Starbucks and the new Wawa. It is expected to […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Annie Lee Lightsey
Annie Lee Lightsey, 45, of Plant City, died Feb. 19, 2015, at her home. She was born at home in Pinecrest. She was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church, and she was a realtor with Weichert Realty. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Craig Lightsey; children, Joseph Lightsey and Jacqueline Lightsey; grandaughter, Genesis Ja’de Sykes; […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Haba ‘Evelyn’ Barber Davis
Haba “Evelyn” Barber Davis, 76, of Tampa, died Feb. 14, 2015. She loved her family, and enjoyed raising koi fish, waterfalls, orchids, helping people and being a “Cheer Mom.” She is survived by her children, Evelyn “Jean” Jenkins, Enid Carl (Ruth Cummins) Davis Jr. and Maxine Delores Davis; siblings, Thomas H. (Sherri Hampton) Barber, Arlene […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Bert Boyd
Bert Boyd, 85, of Valrico, and formerly of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, died Feb. 17, 2015. He was a retired brakeman with CSX Railroad. He is survived by his children, Sandra (Frederick) Pettit, Raymond Boyd, Robert (Kimberly) Boyd, Susan (Harvey) Carey, Phillip (Robin) Kern and Pam (Harold) Miller; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family. He was preceded […]
Continue Reading
