It’s one of the best birthday presents high-schooler Darby Hasting has ever received: a trip to Italy. Darby, a Durant High School student, left today for the trip, provided by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She returns just days before her 17th birthday. Darby was diagnosed two years ago with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare disease that […]
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Two Plant City schools upload new electronics pilot program
For years, students have been told to power down their phones and tuck them away in the dark recesses of their backpacks. But that has all changed for nine schools in Hillsborough County. A new pilot program, called Bring Your Own Device, is encouraging students to bring their electronic devices to the classroom as a […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry festival adds more video surveillance
Even before the Boston Marathon bombing, officials at the Florida Strawberry Festival were taking steps to make Plant City’s signature event as safe as possible. Now, those steps seem more important than ever. General Manager Paul Davis said the festival’s newest security measures will come in the form of additional security cameras. Although he wouldn’t […]
Continue ReadingFour Scouts earn Eagle status
Only 4% of Boy Scouts attain the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Four young men from Plant City are now part of that exclusive club. Troop 14’s Daniel “D.J.” Garrett, Caleb Elliot Watson, Anthony Pullara and Benjamin Lee Carson all received their Eagle Badges during a ceremony April 20, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church. To earn […]
Continue ReadingJarrett Scott Ford awards three scholarships
Three Plant City-area seniors received $1,000 scholarships through Jarrett Scott Ford and the Ford Motor Company’s Built Ford Tough FFA Scholarship Program. Plant City High School’s Lindsey Farkas, Strawberry Crest’s Abigail Jett and Durant High School’s Jerri Rowell each will receive a scholarship. Farkas plans to study at Hillsborough Community College. Her parents are Larry […]
Continue ReadingPhoto archives launches endowment campaign
Plant City Photo Archives and History Center President Ed Verner announced last week a campaign to establish an endowment fund for future use and financial stability. Speaking to the members of the Photo Archives Advisory Council at a recent meeting, Verner and Executive Director Gil Gott notified them of the campaign to establish the endowment […]
Continue ReadingGRAND OPENING: Express Employment Professionals of Lakeland
Lithia resident C.J. Marcello celebrated the grand opening of his new business, Express Employment Professionals of Lakeland April 22, at the company’s new location, 1805 U.S. 98 S., Suite A, Lakeland. More than 100 residents stopped by to welcome Marcello and view the Express Clydesdales Team. Before opening Express, Marcello was the executive director of […]
Continue ReadingQuality Dining remodels Plant City BK
Plant City Burger King fans will notice a new look and feel at the restaurant. Quality Dining Inc., which operates 54 Burger King restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay area, completed recently renovations on the Plant City location, 2302 N. Park Road. Changes include a café-style dining room with large lounge seating and a contemporary look. The […]
Continue ReadingPlant City rejects lone proposal for stadium
Despite Mayor Mike Sparkman’s wishes, the Plant City Commission rejected April 22, the only proposal it received for a longtime use for Plant City Stadium. City Manager Greg Horwedel said the proposal from Big League Dreams Inc. lacked key information, specifically regarding the potential costs and benefits of the proposal to Plant City. Citing an […]
Continue ReadingCoyotes sighted in Plant City
Two years ago, a coyote killed Plant City resident Amanda Rodriguez’s box terrier chihuahua mix. She found it in the field around her house, the contents of its body eaten. For a long time after the incident, she and her husband, Frank, didn’t see the coyote. But now — what she thinks is the same […]
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