My View

Dear Readers: All of the associates in our company, Observer Media Group Inc., live by a mission statement that says we are committed “to inspire our communities with extraordinary local content and to help our partners prosper.” Week after week in our newspapers and on our websites, we focus on local news, events and people, […]

After getting curious about the progress of Midtown development, I asked City Manager Mike Herr what kind of businesses he thought would spring up in the buildings soon to be constructed in Midtown. His office responded by sending a “Midtown Vision” statement by email. I started asking myself what kind of shops, stores and restaurants […]

The selection of Dr. W. Kent Fuchs as the next president of the University of Florida should be cause for celebration for anyone who cares about Florida agriculture and natural resources. I’ll confess, I had some initial apprehension about whether an electrical engineer would be properly attuned to the importance of UF’s land-grant mission. But […]

My name is Shirley Chamberlain. I am an advocate for the homeless in Plant City and the Food Ministry Partner for Gospel METS Ministry also in Plant City. For several years now, along with other ministries and individuals, I have been feeding the homeless and nearly homeless at Courier Field behind the Plant City Library […]

By Deanna Hurley People often wonder whether politicians are the same behind closed doors as they are at campaign events and in public forums. For six years, from his first day in office, I worked alongside Al Higginbotham, and I can assure you, what you see is what you get. He is as sincere, ethical […]

By Scott Toler Election time is approaching, and I am deciding how to cast my vote. I like to remind myself that voting still matters, and that all of our votes taken together make a difference. I like to give my vote the consideration it is due. I may be in a minority when I […]

We often have noted that elections are referenda on incumbents’ performance. If they have performed satisfactorily and competently and continue to offer a governing philosophy that aligns with our nation’s founding principles — that is, a defense of and promotion of our unalienable rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness and freedom from the […]

Here we are again. Every two years for the General Election, Floridians face not only the choice of candidates but also the often confusing list of statewide constitutional amendments. This time, thankfully, unlike in 2012 when there were 11 proposed amendments on the ballot, voters will find only three proposed constitutional amendments. As always with constitutional […]

By Dr. Dan Morris Recently, following the tragic suicidal death of national known American actor, comedian, film producer and screenwriter Robin Williams, we have been made more aware of the large percentage of our population having difficulty with depression. The research indicates one in 10 people suffers from depression. It is a major factor in […]