Editor’s note: Plant City resident Joseph Castagno wrote this column just six weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. On the 11th anniversary of 9/11, we felt it appropriate to publish this piece. Although it has only been a little more than six weeks since, Sept. 11, 2001, time plays on my emotions. Some days, […]
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: Reflections on a day that changed the world
Editor’s note: Managing Editor Michael Eng originally wrote this piece one year ago, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In 2001, he was working as a staff writer for the East County Observer in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., and was with President George W. Bush that morning at Emma Booker Elementary School in Sarasota.
Continue ReadingBREAKING NEWS: Arrest made in Springhead PTA theft
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor The former president and treasurer of the Springhead Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association has been arrested for stealing money from the PTA’s bank account. According to arrest records, Lisa Shirah, 34, was arrested Sept. 7, and faces 16 charges — including fraud, forgery and grand theft. School officials said Shirah […]
Continue ReadingPlant City crash kills one
A Lakeland man is dead following an early-morning collision Sept. 8, on Interstate 4 at the Branch Forbes Road exit.
Continue ReadingSheriff’s Office investigating Plant City homicide
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives are on scene of what appears to be a homicide tonight, at 3220 Bruton Road, Plant City.
Continue ReadingRIBBON CUTTING: Oh My! Consignments & Boutique
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Oh My! Consignments & Boutique Sept. 7, at 116 W. Reynolds St. For more information, call (813) 704-4899 or visit ohmyconsignment.com.
Continue ReadingSalon to host fundraiser for Plant City teen
A Valrico salon will host a fundraiser this weekend for a Plant City teen-ager who was struck by a drunken driver. The fundraiser for 15-year-old Jacob Meachum will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9, at Aquali Salon and Spa, 3652 Erindale Drive, Valrico. The event will include a day of salon and […]
Continue ReadingMY VIEW: Hopes, dreams and transitions
I am up early for a Saturday, sipping a cup of fresh made coffee and thinking back over it all. I dropped my daughter off at college yesterday and marked a bittersweet milestone. Yes, I know, quite the overused word in my opinion, and honestly, it’s lost the significance it once had. A milestone should […]
Continue ReadingPlant City’s leaders honor Danny Wilkes
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer Danny Wilkes carefully carved the beautiful altar that has sat inside his equally beautiful church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Carey Street, for years. And although Mr. Wilkes died Aug. 31, at age 69, church members always will be reminded of his service every Sunday when they see the […]
Continue ReadingRIBBON CUTTING: Focus 4 Beauty Career Center
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Focus 4 Beauty Career Center Sept. 6, at 1805 James L. Redman Parkway, Suite 201. For more information, call (813) 752-4247 or visit focus4beauty.com.
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