At the City Commission meeting Monday, Aug. 24, commissioners approved the purchase of new hydraulic rescue tools for Plant City Fire Rescue. More commonly known as the Jaws of Life, these tools are used for extraction, especially in cases where individuals can become trapped. Division Chief for EMS Jim Wilson described the tools as a […]
Continue ReadingAl Higginbotham: Proposal for sales-tax increase lacks definition
In 2010, District 7 County Commissioner Al Higginbotham opposed a referendum for a county-wide penny transportation tax because of a lack of proposed plans. Now, a similar tax — this time a half-cent sales tax — may be on the 2016 ballot if county commissioners approve a referendum. Once again, Higginbotham is opposed. He expressed […]
Continue ReadingJetsetters: SCHS return from European trip
An outsider wouldn’t be able to guess that David Katzmayr is a math teacher by walking into his classroom on the second floor of Strawberry Crest High School. Visitors notice three pictures hanging on the wall of the popular teacher with students in Europe before they see the geometry and algebra textbooks stacked neatly on […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Charlotte Ritcher
Charlotte Elizabeth Ritcher, 82, of Valrico, died Aug. 18, 2015 at Brandon Regional Hospital. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Ritcher was the daughter of the late Chester and Margaret Matthew MacDonald. She worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning for over 20 years in food service. She was there when they won the Stanley Cup […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Melissa Olague
Melissa Olague, 32, of Plant City, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015. A native of Winter Haven, she was the daughter of Olin Britt and Mary Locke Davis. She enjoyed photography and her family. Ms. Olague is survived by her children, Haleana, Joe and Axton Olague; parents, Sandy Britt, Mary and Jerry Davis, Donna Little and […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Joseph Geraw
Joseph Geraw, 71, of Plant City, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2015 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. A native of St. Albans, Vermont, he was the son of the late Bruce and Celia Martell Geraw. Mr. Geraw was a member of the United States Army National Guard. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Peryea Geraw; children, […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Eva Jewel White
Eva Jewel White (Kirkland) died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015. Mrs. White was born on Sept. 21, 1921 in Webb, Alabama to Hosea and Elizabeth Kirkland. She moved with her family to Plant City in the early 1930s where she resided until her death. A 1940 graduate of Plant City High School, she was the secretary […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Thomas H. Powers
Retired Master Sgt. Thomas H. Powers, United States Air Force, 82, of Valrico, died Aug. 17, 2015. Mr. Powers was born on June 2, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts. He had a strong faith, and love for family and friends. Music filled his soul. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Powers; children, […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Francisca Pagán Perez
Francisca Pagán Perez, 92, of Dover, died Aug. 12, 2015. Mrs. Perez was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. She loved her family and her Lord. She enjoyed being a pastor’s wife, flowers, sewing and music. She is survived by her husband, Anibal “Andy” Perez; children, Minerva Gonzalez (Manuel), of Plant City, Daisy Torres (Louis), of […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Harold Frederick Thompson
Harold (Fred) Thompson, 94, of Plant City, died Aug. 12, 2015. Mr. Thompson was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and was the youngest of 12 children. He was a Plant City resident since 1932 and a member of First United Methodist Church. He owned Thompson Grove Service and was a grower for many years. […]
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