Anne Haywood, who directed Bruton Memorial Library for 23 years and led numerous technological advancements during that time, retired Aug. 22, after an investigation into her history of professional behavior. It was found that she had broken numerous policies in the city’s employee handbook. “It’s been a bad year,” Haywood said. “I had a lot […]
Continue ReadingMidtown park expected to open before 2015
For months, city employees have been planning and preparing for the installment of a village green in the Midtown District. Their efforts finally will come to fruition near the end of this year, when the park is expected to be completed. “I’m looking forward to getting this thing started within the next couple of weeks,” […]
Continue ReadingSewing store partners with local non-profits
Louis Seelye put on his POW/MIA cap and looked up at his new red, white and blue quilt at a Historic Downtown quilt shop in Plant City. Twenty-five women worked on the quilt together, and it took them almost three weeks to complete it. “It’s pretty,” Seelye said. “I like it.” The quilt features patterns […]
Continue ReadingALS Ice Bucket Challenge takes off in Plant City
Anyone with a Facebook account likely has been enjoying a few weeks of friends and celebrities pouring buckets of ice water onto their heads — all in support of the ALS Association’s incredibly successful and viral Ice Bucket Challenge. And, it seems the freezing-cold phenomenon has hit Plant City. Jeremy Lee Pearce, a Plant City […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Bertha Dean “Bert” Gilliam
Bertha Dean “Bert” Gilliam, 72, of Plant City, died Aug. 26, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Donald W. Gilliam; sons, Daniel Mathis, Steven Mathis (Joyne) and Shawn Mathis Gilliam; step-daughters, Lisa Candey and Jennifer Newberry; grandchildren, Steven Mathis Jr., Haylee Mathis, Matthew Mathis and Danielle Mathis; and great-grandson, Gavin Young. She was preceded […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Hardy R. Walters
Hardy R. Walters, 83, of Lithia, died Sept. 1, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou. He is survived by his children, Linda (Robert) and Bruce (Glenna); grandchildren, Adam and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Anna and Kayla; and sisters, Mary, Ellen and Doris. A celebration of life was held Sept. 5, at Hopewell […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Carol Ann Fleming
Carol Ann Fleming, 62, of Plant City, died Aug. 29, 2014. She was a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church, and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Francis; children, April Sullivent (Jim), Skip Fleming (Tammy), Melanie Rogers (Kevin) and Brenda Amsler (Stan); siblings, Phillip […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Waneda S. Brownlow
Waneda S. Brownlow, 66, of Valrico, died Aug. 24, 2014. She and her late husband, H. Lamar Brownlow, pastored churches in Alabama, Louisiana and Florida, and she was a missionary in Honduras, Panama, Mexico, Italy, Russia and Africa. She was affectionately known as “The Happy Missionary.” She is survived by her children, Mary Colon, of […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Stanley L. Schmitt
Stanley L. Schmitt, 89, of Plant City, died Aug. 23, 2014, also his 67th wedding anniver-sary. Mr. Schmitt was born July 16, 1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio. to Edward and Doris Schmitt. Survivors include his wife, Jean Weber Schmitt; children, Steven Schmitt, David Schmitt (Joyce), Sally Watson Keene (Marlon); grandchil-dren, Dr. Holly Schmitt (Darren Fox), Bonnie […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Janis Aaron
Janis Aaron, of Plant City, died July 30, 2014, at home, after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be missed dearly. Born Oct. 18, 1947, she was one of seven children born to the late Burke T. and Ruth Lillian “RL” Lay. She is survived by her brothers, Kent and Keith Lay; sisters, Karen […]
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