By Michael Eng | Managing Editor Jake Austin, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation’s new Plant City-based project manager of business retention and expansion, isn’t too keen on wearing a tie. And, he’s more comfortable standing inside a manufacturing plant than sitting around a conference table in some high-rise in downtown Tampa. That’s precisely why […]
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Singles club changes name
Attention Plant City lovebirds: The Strawberry Singles Club, a community institution since 1995, is changing not only its name but also its direction. Beginning Jan. 1, 2013, the club is changing its name to the Plant City Social Dance Club. It is open to singles, married couples and dating couples.
Continue ReadingLibrary to offer gardening program
Bruton Memorial Library will host its next Master Gardening Program, titled “25 Palms Your Neighbors Don’t Have,” from 7 to 8 p.m., Jan. 14, at the library, 302 McLendon St.
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Midtown
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor For Plant City Commissioner Rick Lott, it is nearly impossible to overstate the potential of the Midtown project. “This will be the most significant development in Plant City since Walden Lake,” he says.
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Billy Keel
By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor At 43, Billy Keel, the newest member of the Plant City Commission, is also the youngest, but with many years spent in community service and a strong business background, he plans to effectively serve the city where he grew up.
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Dan Raulerson
By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor With the country still reeling from heated debates, pushy campaigns and overwhelming political advertising, it’s hard to believe the election was already two months ago. The beginning of the year marks a new start for ideas that grow into bills and agendas and brings some new faces to the […]
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Yvonne Fry
By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor If you looked up “busy bee” in the dictionary, Yvonne Fry’s picture likely would be under it. It’s hard to believe there is just one of her — between the Tomlin Middle School PTSA meetings she heads up and the two businesses she owns. But this woman on the […]
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Walden Lake Golf and Country Club
By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor It’s been a long road for the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. After exchanging through multiple hands, suffering lowered membership and, most recently, undergoing bankruptcy, the club still is hanging on.
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Bill McDaniel
By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor To the left of the receptionist’s desk at the Plant City Police Department is a wall lined with photographs. Each has its own frame and is placed around three words: “Chiefs of Police.” Examining the photographs, it’s easy to get lost in the faces. Many hold a stoic expression. […]
Continue ReadingBAKER’S DOZEN: Steven Singletary
By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor Looking at his credentials, it seems like a natural fit. With 16 years with the Plant City Police Department in a variety of roles, Steven Singletary is the 23rd chief of police for the agency, for which he has spent his entire career. Before that, he worked for nine […]
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