Sometimes, when I speak with sources for a story, they’ll tell me something that blows my mind. And I’m not talking about something that’s mind-blowingly good but rather something that makes me think, “I really wish I was a fly on the wall when this idea was pitched.” I had that precise thought while I […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Landon Galloway
Nobody in the district put on a show quite like Plant City quarterback Landon Galloway did in last week’s 41-14 win over Strawberry Crest. The senior got things started with a 30-yard touchdown run and then threw for four more, on 13-of-16 passing. It was a like watching a game of Madden, but in real […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 10.31.13
SOFTBALL + ISF president Porter retires Forty-eight years is a long time to stick with any occupation, and Don Porter just decided that 48 years was enough. Porter, president of the Plant City-based International Softball Federation, is calling it a career and phasing into retirement. “I felt having served 48 years (22 as secretary general and […]
Continue ReadingISF President Don Porter Announces Retirement
Forty-eight years is a long time to stick with any occupation, and Don Porter just decided that 48 years was enough. Porter, the President of Plant City’s own International Softball Federation, is calling it a career and phasing into retirement. “I felt having served 48 years (22 as Secretary General, and 26 as President) was […]
Continue ReadingScorecard error ends PCHS’ quest for state championship
In all her years coaching, Plant City High girls golf coach Meg Jordan has never had a group quite like her 2013 squad. Throughout the season, the Lady Raiders played the way Jordan had taught — with dignity, respect and honesty. They were cruising on the stat sheets, too, and seemed poised to embark on […]
Continue Reading2013 Gridiron Podcast: Week 9
The <em>Plant City Times & Observer</em> brings you the fourth installment of our 2013 weekly podcast, the <em>Plant City Times & Observer Gridiron Report</em>, breaking down high school football match-ups in the Plant City area for the entire 2013 season. Staff Writer Justin Kline is the host of the podcast, which features a weekly “Game […]
Continue ReadingHere & Now
The Raiders haven’t forgotten about their 2012 season opener. Just one year removed from putting on an offensive clinic for Strawberry Crest, scoring 69 points in a big win, Plant City found itself in a 21-7 hole against a similar Chargers squad. Other than one touchdown, they simply couldn’t find any answers to Crest’s output. […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Justin Colligan
At Saturday’s CFCAL Championships, Advantage Academy’s Justin Colligan recorded a top-10 time of 13:24 in the boys two-mile race. Colligan finished first among Plant City-area runners, which included his teammates and some friendly competition from Shiloh. What did you just do? I won 10th place in today’s race. my time was 13:24. How long have […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND: Plant City, Crest game promises to be a classic
I’m still pretty new around here, but it’s always great to see people get so excited for a rivalry game. Especially one as meaningful as Friday night’s matchup between Plant City and Strawberry Crest. You could spin this one in a number of different ways, and it’s still a compelling game every time. It’s the […]
Continue ReadingPennies worth more for Nickel
No one on a football team has a more mentally demanding job than the big guys on the offensive line. It’s not dependent on knowing the ins and outs of the playbook, but instead on the ability to stay consistent, to shake off bad plays. And, with everything Jared Nickel has had to go endure […]
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