Plant City residents showed their patriotism and support Feb. 23, as about 120 guardsmen of the Florida Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery left their Plant City headquarters for a nine-month deployment to Qatar, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Before crossing the ocean, the guardsmen will head to the mobilization site in Camp […]
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82-year-old man arrested on molestation charges
The Plant City Police Department arrested 82-year-old Efrain Rosa Vargas, of Plant City, on charges of sexual battery on a victim under 12 years old, lewd and lascivious molestation on a victim under 12 years old, lewd and lascivious exhibition, lewd and lascivious molestation, and showing obscene materials to a minor. Vargas’ arrest stems from […]
Continue ReadingCar crash kills one
Members of the Plant City Police Department’s Traffic Management Unit continue to investigate a fatal traffic crash that occurred at about 9 p.m. Feb. 20, at the intersection of West State Road 574 and Elnor Street around 9 p.m. last night. According to investigators, Hildiberto Salmeron, of Seffner, was traveling eastbound along S.R. 574 when […]
Continue ReadingMobile dental office brightens smiles
Smiles at Bryan Elementary will be a little brighter, thanks to a new countywide dental program. Through a partnership among the Florida Department of Health of Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa Family Health Centers, Suncoast Community Health Centers and MORE Health Inc., two mobile dental offices visited eight Title 1 schools throughout the […]
Continue ReadingHOMETOWN HEROES: Long Way From Home
For Jacob and Misty Kesler, the National Guard was a compromise. “He wanted to go into the (U.S.) Army, and I didn’t want him to leave, so we decided the National Guard would be the best option,” Misty says. “That way, he was still in but home at the same time.” Plant City natives, high […]
Continue ReadingThree area seniors earn prestigious scholarships
Durant High School senior Jose Perez has moved 57 times to different cities, following the growing seasons and helping his family of migrant workers in the fields. During his sophomore year of high school, his family finally settled in Plant City. But despite all his travels, Perez has been able to succeed academically in school. […]
Continue ReadingPirate-themed race will benefit Project L.I.N.K.
Scallywags can shape their booties while hunting for booty at an upcoming pirate-themed race March 2, at Varn Ranch. The Pirate Booty Hunt, a 3.5-mile race, gives runners a chance to find one of 200 treasure chests hidden along the trail. Each box has an undisclosed amount of money inside, ranging from $10 to $1,000. […]
Continue ReadingPhoto Archives hires new assistant
Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Executive Director Gil Gott announced the appointment of Dawn C. Zaversnik to the position of administrative assistant to the executive director. Zaversnik is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in journalism and communications. She has worked with Publix Super Markets and Summit Consulting, in […]
Continue ReadingWork continues on Brewer Park
Residents will be able to enjoy another city park by summertime. Brewer Park, located off Grant Street, is currently under construction. It is named after the late Dr. Hal Brewer, an active member of the community who died last November. Excavation of the pond in the center of the park has been completed, and the […]
Continue ReadingWLCA denies new RFP policy
The Walden Lake Community Association will not pursue the idea of a request-for-proposal policy that would outline services and procedures for maintenance-related issues in the deed-restricted community. Board member Steve Swantek brought up the idea of the RFP policy, saying it would be a useful tool for board members to have when discussing future maintenance […]
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