John (Jack) R. Jones Jr., 93, died March 30, 2014. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Jone retired after 30 years with IBM. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mary; grandson, John; and two stepdaughters, Sandra and Shirley. Survivors include his wife, Marcella; son, J. Robert Jones […]
Continue ReadingNeighbors
Obituary: Charles Fredrick Norris
Charles Fredrick Norris, 77, of Plant City, died April 16, 2014, at his home, in Plant City, after a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 7, 1936, in Newell, W. Va. He was the son of the late Robert W. Norris and Olive (Stephens) Norris. He graduated in 1954, from Wells High School. Mr. Norris […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Larry Eugene Peele
Larry Eugene Peele, 68, of Plant City, died April 17, 2014, at home. Born June 11, 1945 in Beaufort, N.C., he was the son of the late William and Rebecca Robinson Peele. He was the husband of Linda Gail Kelly, who survives. Mr. Peele served in the U.S. Army, was a member of Calvary Fellowship, […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Wesley Tanner Reece
Wesley Tanner Reece, 36, of Plant City, died April 10, 2014, at his home. Born Dec. 26, 1977, in Tampa, he was the son of the late Larry Reece and Patricia Kilpatrick Reece, who survives. He was the husband of Brandy Shipley Reece, and brother to Aaron Reece, who also survive. Mr. Reece owned Reece […]
Continue ReadingObituary: Shirley E. Van Derwerken
Shirley E. Van Derwerken, 78, died April 14, 2014, in Lakeland. She was born Aug. 27, 1935, in St. Louis, Mo., to Jesse and Margaret (Carter) Holmes. She married Thomas Van Derwerken, who is deceased. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, in Plant City, and loved to work and volunteer at the Greater […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Hopewell Baptist Church’s “Backwards” Easter Egg Hunt
Hopewell Baptist Church had hunters hopping for oval-shaped treasures during its “Backwards” Easter Egg Hunt and Family Day Open House April 19, at the church. In addition to hunting for eggs throughout the church property, children also enjoyed a puppet show, arts and crafts, and games.
Continue ReadingQ&A with the 2014 Blueberry Festival Queen
The competition was fierce for this year’s Miss Blueberry Queen, but Shelby St. Amant bested five other contestants to receive a dazzling crown and the coveted title. What was it like being up on stage? It was a lot of fun. I wasn’t nervous waiting, but, as soon as I got on stage, the nerves […]
Continue ReadingBAND PROFILE: Double Barrel Band
PERFORMANCE TIME: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27 Another Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival newcomer is Plant City’s own Double Barrel Band, but they’re no strangers to the venue. The party band, which mainly brings flavors of Southern rock, blues and country to its performances, has played its share of shows on weekends at Keel and Curley. […]
Continue ReadingBAND PROFILE: Southern Legacy Band
PERFORMANCE TIME: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 27 Charlie Olson, better known as “Charlie O.,” has performed with many bands in the last 40 years. Plant City-area fans most likely know him from his current outfit, previously known as Charlie O. and the Houserockers. Olson’s pleased with the current lineup. So pleased, in fact, that he’s […]
Continue ReadingBAND PROFILE: Faces South
PERFORMANCE TIME: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26 One of Plant City’s most popular local acts will return to the Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival this year — with a new face. In May 2013, Faces South brought in frontwoman Geri Blount to complete the lineup. Blount, a Plant City native, was recommended by drummer Andy Fritsch, […]
Continue Reading
