In her remarks following her appointment to the city’s top political post, Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis referenced a song from her favorite film, “The Lion King.” It’s the Circle of Life And it moves us all Through despair and hope Through faith and love ‘Til we find our place On the path unwinding In the […]
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UPDATE: Missing woman located, returned to retirement home
A reported missing and endangered woman has been located and returned safely to her retirement home in Plant City. Saron Olson, 55, was located in the Sun City area. She was reported as “fine” and was returned to Sharick’s Deck retirement home. According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports, at about 8:30 a.m. June 9, the […]
Continue ReadingHallmark movie draws delicious similarities to Florida Strawberry Fest
Here’s the pitch: Beth Landon, a beautiful music teacher from a small, rural town, is helping her mother plan the annual Strawberry Festival. The town practically revolves around the succulent red berry, as it is known to have the best strawberries in the world. As the Strawberry Queen, Beth decides to hire a big-name — […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry Crest graduation not canceled
According to Hillsborough County Public Schools, Strawberry Crest High School’s graduation is still scheduled to take place today. The ceremony scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today, at Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. At this time, the district has no plans for cancellations of any events because of Tropical Storm Andrea. For more information, visit the district website.
Continue ReadingDuffy takes reins at SUNY Adirondack
Dr. Kristine Duffy, of Syracuse, N.Y., recently was named president of State University of New York Adirondack, in Glens Falls, N.Y. She is the daughter of Jan L. and Amity W. Kokochak, of Plant City. The Kokochaks have lived in Plant City for about four years, after moving from Vestal, N.Y. Amity is a member […]
Continue ReadingDemolition begins on old Plant City courthouse
Two excavators devoured parts of the old Plant City Courthouse May 22, off North Michigan Avenue. The demolition began about a week prior and is scheduled to be finished by the end of June. Planning began about one month ago, including securing the area with a chain-link fence. Behind the fence sits piles of debris […]
Continue ReadingCommunity choir founder hopes to strike up the band
The founder of the Plant City Community Choir is seeking a few good musicians. Founder and University of South Florida graduate student Joseph Mendolia is working to launch a Plant City community band. So far, he has about 10 musicians interested. He hopes to start with about 20 members and have it grow to 50 […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry pioneer remembered for work, philanthropy
Plant City is as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Lester Wishnatzki is a big reason why. After growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Wishnatzki began working for the family business in the late 1930s, along with his brother, Joe. When their father and Wishnatzki & Nathel co-founder Harris Wishnatzki died in 1955, Mr. […]
Continue ReadingPlant City’s NRG hopes to take bite out of Big Apple
NRG’s summer vacation sounds like a plot out of a teen movie. The undiscovered-yet-blooming youth pop group has been invited to perform in “Feather,” in New York City. The performance is part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, the theater equivalent of Cannes. In other words, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’s a big deal,” […]
Continue ReadingArea students to compete at FFA State Convention
A year’s worth of hard work is paying off for 30 Plant City-area FFA students. The students, representing Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools and Tomlin Middle School, will compete at the FFA State Convention June 10 to 14, in Orlando. “We are very proud of our students,” said Pam Walden, supervisor of agriculture for […]
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