Wendy West Parker, 63, of Plant City, died Sept. 24, 2014, from cancer. Mrs. Parker was a lifetime member of The American Quarter Horse Association, the National Reining Horse Association and the Florida Quarter Horse Association. With her husband of 36 years, Alan Parker, she bred, owned and showed more than 50 world and national […]
Continue ReadingObituary: A.H. “Hank” Varnum
A.H. “Hank” Varnum, 76, of Lithia, died Sept. 30, 2014. He was the co-founder and former president of Central Maintenance and Welding, and a cattle rancher. He served on the Hillsboro Bank Board of Directors and as a trustee on several building trade boards. He was a 56-year member of Welcome Baptist Church, in Lithia. […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Marilyn E. Weeks
Marilyn E. Weeks, 71, of Plant City, died Sept. 29, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Joe Sheppard; children, Donnie Walker (Cocette), David Walker, Randy Sheppard (Julie) and Rusty Sheppard; sister, Gloria Jean Hayes; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; dog, Peanut; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Francis Mary Boggan
Francis Mary Boggan, 77, died Sept. 25, 2014, at Melech Hospice House, in Temple Terrace. Mrs. Boggan was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Francis Boggan. She is survived by sons, Francis J. Boggan (Susan), and Gregory J. Boggan (Kathy); daughter, Debra Mezen (Jeff); sister, Ethel Jockers; and seven grandchildren, Kevin, Ryan, Michelle, Kristen, […]
Continue ReadingResidents prepare for lawsuit against Paladin maker
Dozens of citizens who live near local strawberry farms met at Turkey Creek Middle School Sept. 22, to discuss concerns about the fumigant Paladin with staff from the Hillsborough County EPC, Florida Department of Agriculture and Florida Department of Health. Although local agriculturalists and employees of Arkema, the company that manufactures Paladin, maintain the chemical’s […]
Continue ReadingDevelopment planned for northern Plant City
A number of residential developments are in the works for Plant City, but North Park Isles stands out among them because of its large scale and geographical placement. North Park Isles will be located north of Sam Allen Road and Park Road. Its single-family homes will likely be priced around $225,000 to $235,000, and they […]
Continue ReadingCorn maze returns to welcome fall season
It’s that time of year again, when children and adults alike will get into the true spirit of autumn and navigate their way through Single R Ranch’s maze made entirely of corn. This is the third year that the Futch family will have operated the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and its corresponding festival. It is […]
Continue ReadingCity Commission approves application for library grant
Plant City commissioners approved Sept. 22, a resolution enabling the City of Plant City Library Department to apply for state funding, with the goal of working toward a long-term library improvement plan. In 1999, the Library Department formed a cooperative with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System, making it eligible to receive State Aid funds […]
Continue ReadingSt. Peter’s Episcopal raises funds for renovations
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is one of the only historical churches in Plant City to still meet in its original building, but after more than a century, it’s time for some touch-ups. The church has maintained its historical integrity throughout numerous renovations since it was built in 1908, and rector Tom Thoeni thinks another project […]
Continue ReadingPlant City police recruiting officers
The Plant City Police Department has eight open positions for new officers, which will remain open until they are filled. “Retirements hit us hard,” Lt. Jerry Stwan said. “We’ve had four retire just in the last couple of months.” All four of those former officers had entered the police department’s Deferred Retirement Option Plan. After […]
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