By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer Joseph Mendolia has fond childhood memories about watching Plant City’s fireworks show with his dad. “The fireworks were always a staple in our community,” the USF graduate student said. “It was sad to see it disappear.”
Continue ReadingAuction draws 200 to Trinkle Center
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer In the market for some property? How does a 74-acre equine facility with two horse barns sound? Or maybe a pair of charming historic buildings in Plant City’s downtown? These were just three of the properties available at a Higgenbotham Auctioneers auction June 28, at the John R. Trinkle […]
Continue ReadingSO LONG, CHIEF
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor Technically, this isn’t George Shiley’s first retirement. Before he became Plant City’s fire chief 13 years ago, Shiley retired on a Friday as chief of his hometown fire department in Johnstown, Pa., where he had served for 24 years.
Continue ReadingCops Corner 07.04.12
June 22 DRUG PROBLEM 400 block of North Alexander Street. Armed Robbery. Two suspects entered the pharmacy wearing masks and gloves. The suspects walked past an open door into the storage area, where prescription drugs are kept. One suspect approached the victim and hit him in the left eye with the pistol. The second suspect […]
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: Welcome to your newspaper
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor I love a good underdog story. When I was a child, “Rocky” ranked as one of my favorite flicks. And when the NFL season resumes this fall, you’ll find me cheering on my sentimental favorite, the hapless St. Louis Rams. There’s something about the underdog that is distinctly American. […]
Continue ReadingCity commission approves moratorium on mobility fees
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor City leaders continued their push to spur development as they approved a moratorium on transportation mobility fees June 25. The moratorium began July 1 and will continue through Sept. 30, 2013. It also extends the discount to certain building permits until Sept. 30, 2015.
Continue ReadingMY VIEW: Don’t forget why we celebrate July 4
By Joseph Castagno | Contributing Writer Editor’s note: Joseph Castagno wrote this column after the last Plant City July 4 celebration in 2007. We felt it was the perfect sentiment for the celebration’s return in 2012. The sweet scents of cotton candy and caramel corn dance through the early evening air, mixing with the laughter […]
Continue ReadingNEIGHBOR: Kate Chang
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer You’ll be seeing Kate Chang reading her favorite pop-up book, “Wide Mouth Frog,” at the Bruton Memorial Library more often. After a stint as the teen librarian and the computer-services librarian, Chang is now the new children’s librarian. Chang took the position June 3, following longtime children’s librarian Carol […]
Continue ReadingNEWS BRIEFS: 07.04.12
+ Rotary, Lions clubs name new presidents The Rotary Club of Plant City installed new President Billy Keel during a banquet June 21, at Lone Palm Country Club in Lakeland. The organization also awarded several honors, including the Rotarian of the Year to Bill Wicker and the Rising Star Award to Charles Harris.
Continue ReadingRIBBON CUTTING: Liberty National Insurance
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Liberty National Insurance June 19. For more information, call 863-682-7139 or visit libertynational.com.WiHack Mobile
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