If anybody’s happy to have some downtime right now, it’s Julian Silva. The soon-to-be 11-year-old Plant City resident recently performed all over North America in a NETworks Presentations production of “Les Miserables,” playing the part of Gavroche. On top of that, he appeared in a “Duck Dynasty” commercial in July and could be seen on […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Little League celebrates 60 years
Is there a better place for Plant City Little League to celebrate its diamond anniversary than the baseball diamond? That’s the plan for Saturday, Feb. 22, the league’s 60th birthday. There will be appearances by Plant City natives who played in the inaugural 1954 season and Strawberry Queen Jessi Rae Varnum, who will throw the […]
Continue ReadingCharity Polo Classic gallops into Plant City
The “Sport of Kings” makes its return to Plant City this weekend. For the third year, Plant City’s DI Polo will host the Charity Polo Classic this Saturday. The annual fundraiser will feature polo matches, a lunch buffet, a fashion show, a hat contest, a silent auction and award presentations for Most Valuable Player and […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Shannon Bell
Although the Durant softball team split their games this past week, senior Shannon Bell has been great in both appearances. The outfielder drove in both of the Lady Cougars’ runs in a 3-2 loss to Riverview on Feb. 11, and finished with a 18-0 rout of Spoto on Valentine’s Day, with a grand slam and […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: On what stays in the locker room
Has anyone heard of any football players, specifically offensive linemen, that have defended Jonathan Martin lately? Some wide receivers, like retired Pittsburgh Steeler Hines Ward and current Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin, have publicly supported Martin in the wake of his allegations against the Miami Dolphins. Columnists who formerly played in the NFL, such as ESPN’s […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 02.20.14
BASKETBALL + Strawberry Crest loses heartbreaker With a last-minute effort by Freedom High School, the best season in the Strawberry Crest basketball program’s history has come to an end. The Patriots were able to stave off a late Chargers rally and win, 42-39, Feb. 18, to advance to the regional finals against Bartow High School. With […]
Continue ReadingBaseball brothers earn bid to national tourney
Brothers Robert and Bryce Foster are used to change. The only thing that has remained constant throughout their lives has been baseball, a sport that they’ve played together whenever possible. Until this summer, that is. Both boys, who live in Plant City and play for Kathleen High School, in Lakeland, were invited to participate in […]
Continue ReadingSpring training on spring break
Who would have thought Plant City would be a popular spring break destination? Come to the winter strawberry capital throughout the month of March and you’ll see thousands of college kids here visiting. For the ninth consecutive year, they’ll be here for the National Club Baseball Association and National Club Softball Association’s Spring Training Showcase, […]
Continue ReadingBlack Heritage Festival to honor local legacies
Although the entire month of February is Black History Month, the biggest celebration in Plant City is happening this weekend. The Black Heritage Festival, going on its 11th year, is operating under the theme “A Legacy to Fulfill,” honoring late influential figures in the community. Events will be held over four days — three of […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Austin Griffin
After winning the title of top seed with a coin toss, the Strawberry Crest boys took home the district title Feb. 6 with a 51-31 win against tournament host Brandon High School. Leading the charge was senior forward Austin Griffin, who finished with 16 points. Over two tournament games, he scored a total of 34 […]
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