David Hubay’s Letter to the Editor, published Feb. 13, pointed out the shabby appearance of the fence between Alexander Street and East Walden Lake. The Walden Lake Property Owners Association could not agree more. We have been trying to deal with this problem for several years. Unfortunately, there are several issues hindering our efforts. These fences are not […]
Continue ReadingWelcome to the Sixth Annual Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival
It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2013 Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival. It seems like only yesterday that we hatched the idea for a Blueberry Festival to kick off our blueberry U-pick season here at Keel Farms. The seasons keep passing by, and, believe it or not, this will be our sixth […]
Continue ReadingOWNER’S REPORT: City manager provides sneak peek at luncheon
In a country founded on the premise of federalism, the organizational effectiveness and fiscal health of all levels of government are vital. Under federalism, the United States has three levels of government: national, state and local. Unlike many countries, we divide the important public functions among these levels, so each level can better focus on […]
Continue ReadingPAST & PRESENCE: The story behind HCC’s Plant City campus
The story of the Plant City campus of Hillsborough Community College begins in July 1967, when officials decided the new Hillsborough Junior College would consist of multiple campuses. The master plan for the creation of junior colleges throughout Florida was developed by the state government in 1957. The intent was to alleviate some of the […]
Continue ReadingTALLAHASSEE REPORT: New law would stiffen utility-theft punishments
The 2013 legislative session is under way, and we are hard at work representing District 58, in Tallahassee. I wanted to take a moment to tell you about one of the important issues we are working on this session, which deals with the theft of utility services. Over the years, theft of electricity has become […]
Continue ReadingGONE FISHIN’: Catching the elusive redfish
My name is Capt. John Baty, and I am owner and founder of Forever Hooked Charters. Each month, I’ll be offering you tips to help you become a better fisherman. I’ll also update you on what is biting in Tampa Bay and other areas. This month the topic is the bronze beauty — the redfish. […]
Continue ReadingJOSHING AROUND: Scripture serves as caffeine for the soul
All I know is optimism on starting a new day ahead of the game quickly faded today. For once in my life, the nighttime version of Josh was considerate to the morning Josh and set his alarm. It was beautiful. Maybe it is age, but I wanted to get an early start to my day […]
Continue ReadingPERMACULTURE LIVING: Sustainable practices critical to our prolonged prosperity
There are two major taproots from which permaculture emerged. In 1979, an Australian ecology teacher and one of his graduate students coined and open copyrighted the term permaculture by combining the words “permanent” and “agriculture.” If you do an Internet search for either Bill Mollison or David Holmgren, you’ll find a vast body of information […]
Continue ReadingSouthside sold, new owners plan expansion
Tim Lopez Sr., president and CEO of Plant City-based residential contractor Westcoast Enterprises, and his wife, Pam Lopez, purchased the three-building Southside Farm and Pet Supply for $2.43 million. The price equated to $113 per square foot. That figure is lower than the two-year average price per square foot for retail space ($146) in the […]
Continue ReadingLIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: There’s no place like home
In 1939, a film was released by MGM that became an American classic. It introduced the amazing world of Technicolor characters — yet the story of “The Wizard of Oz” is best summed up with these words, “There’s no place like home.” After 20-plus years of serving our nation in the U.S. Army, these words […]
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