The Plant City Times & Observer brings you the first installment of our 2013 weekly podcast, the Plant City Times & Observer Gridiron Report, breaking down high school football match-ups in the Plant City area for the entire 2013 season. Associate Editor Matt Mauney is the host of the podcast, which features a weekly “Game of the Week,” […]
Continue ReadingFor the Love of Coaching
Dave Robbins’ favorite job in life is one he never made a dime doing. Robbins, who has spent his life coaching and helping young people, was honored at the Plant City Family YMCA Strong Leader Dinner Aug. 27, at the HCC Plant City John R. Trinkle Center. Robbins, or “Coach Dave” as he’s better known, […]
Continue ReadingFormer Durant basketball standout signs with Trinity
Former Durant basketball standout Kyle White, a three-year starter and 1,000-point scorer for the Cougars, has signed with Trinity College in New Port Richey, Cougars coach Trent Tice announced. A 2013 graduate, White becomes the fourth Durant player in three years to sign with a college, joining Andre Nation (James Madison), Tyler Sitter (Ave Maria) […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: De’Javian Jones
Before coming to the Plant City Dolphins from the Plant City Eagles, De’Javian Jones, 13, never carried the football in a game. Last season, his first with the Dolphins, Jones scored three touchdowns on limited carries as a secondary running back. On Aug. 17, in the regular-season opener for the Dolphins junior varsity team, Jones […]
Continue ReadingAdam Hayward finds his place in Plant City
There was a time in Adam Hayward’s life when football no longer seemed important. He had played the game since he was 6 years old, became a star at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., and was entering his third season at Colorado State University. That’s when his life took a dramatic turn. “I […]
Continue ReadingPlant City girls golf aim for title
Three shots. That is all that stood between the Plant City High girls golf team and a spot in the 2012 state tournament. This season, with a more experienced core, the Lady Raiders are going state championship or bust. “Our goal is to win a state championship, and I feel that is very doable,” said […]
Continue ReadingBREAKING NEWS: Azzariti selected as new Fire Chief
The City of Plant City has selected Daniel R. Azzariti as its new fire chief. Azzariti, a former fire chief in New Port Richey, will assume leadership Aug. 26, at Plant City Fire Rescue. “Our wide-ranging search brought in applications from an amazing group of qualified candidates from around the United States,” said Assistant City Manager […]
Continue ReadingAttempted murder suspect arrested in Plant City
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives have located Jose Esparza at 5102 Hwy 92 W. in Plant City. Esparza, 32, was arrested without incident on an outstanding warrant for attempted murder. He was also charged with violating an injunction against domestic violence. On Aug. 6, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Esparza and his stepbrother, Ramiro Silva, 22, […]
Continue ReadingA Different Path
Like many kids growing up in Florida, Robert Seguin played baseball at an early age. The then-catcher continued playing travel ball through seventh grade, when he discovered a new sport through a family friend. “My sister’s best friend’s little brother had been playing lacrosse, and he got me interested in the game and I started […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Pro stars set bad examples
With the recent scandals surrounding MLB stars Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun and Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, you can’t blame those who have lost faith in sports. These days, it seems if you have an athlete as a role model, chances are, that role model will end up disappointing you with their actions — whether […]
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