Opponents of a proposed change in Plant City’s alcohol policy say city commissioners saved the very heart of the community when they opted not to allow beer and wine to be sold at events held at McCall Park and the newly named Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. Twenty residents, business owners and church leaders spoke […]
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Springhead singers lift up voices for Christmas season
Anyone looking for a dose of the Christmas spirit simply needs to drive down Sparkman Road on a Wednesday evening until they hear the singing. On the corner of Sparkman and Clemons roads sits Springhead United Methodist Church, and on its front steps are the musical members of its congregation. Their primary goal is to […]
Continue ReadingToy drive hot spots
During the holidays, many gift-givers’ first inclination is to take care of their families. The children want a Barbie Dream House or the Elite Nerf Gun. Mom wants that expensive knife set; Dad a new iPad. But different organizations, churches and even a couple of elementary-age angels are making sure those who are less fortunate […]
Continue ReadingObserver names Busch Gardens contest winner
We received dozens of amazing entries for our “Win Two Tickets to Christmas Town” contest, but James A. Beier’s entry stood out from the others. “My favorite Christmas carol is ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’” he wrote. “My reason is I recently had an encounter with a little girl named, Brooklynn Santos, who was […]
Continue ReadingChurch of God shares season’s joy
The Plant City Church of God’s Sanctuary Choir shared its sweet sounds with area shoppers Dec. 7, at the Westfield Brandon shopping mall. The choir was positioned in the outdoor area near The Cheesecake Factory and Bahama Breeze and performed carols, such as “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” The church’s Worship Arts Ministry […]
Continue ReadingWawa, Firehouse Subs set sights on Plant City
Here’s a bit of news that should delight any Northerners and sandwich fans out there: The space on the corner of Interstate 4 and Thonotosassa Road eventually will become a Wawa gas station and convenience store. Wawa, which originated in Delaware, has locations throughout the United States’ East Coast and is tremendously popular in areas […]
Continue ReadingDie-hard fans wait all night for tickets
The sun had just set. But a soft glow from the box office at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds illuminated the first five parties in line for show tickets, Dec. 4. It’s the first year the festival has left the lights on for their No. 1 fans. The eager bunch would have to wait out […]
Continue ReadingMan dies following single-car crash
One Durant man is dead following a Dec. 4 single-car, alcohol-related crash. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, at about 10 p.m. Dec. 4, Johan Guevara, 25, and Antonio Marquez-Felixe, 25, of Durant, were driving in the inside lane on State Road 60, west of State Road 39, in a 1999 Lincoln sedan. It is unclear […]
Continue ReadingLeading Lightning Lady
The Tampa Bay Lightning Girls can be seen at every home game, dancing up and down the aisles and hanging out in the crowd. The fans may wonder what the girls do to keep busy in the offseason. In Crystal Wiggins’ case, the short answer is, “A lot.” Wiggins, a team captain, is a five-year […]
Continue ReadingNational Guard battalion needs help getting home
Last week, Donna Hagadone received a cell-phone picture from her husband. Two military duffle bags sat tattered and faded on the floor of her home. She rushed home to see them for herself. They were her son’s. “Some of Jake has arrived home,” Hagadone said. Her son, Jacob Kesler, is in the Florida National Guard. […]
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