We’re just one week into the high school football season, and Durant already has as many losses as they did all of last season. The Cougars won’t be having another undefeated regular season, after their lopsided 48-6 loss to Armwood Aug. 30, at home. It’s a fact that won’t surprise anyone familiar with Durant’s 2013 […]
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TALLAHASSEE REPORT: The zeal to repeal
When one hears the word “bill,” most people will think of the electric or telephone payment we all make every month. But, in the legislative world, we think of a bill as an idea for a proposed law sponsored in Tallahassee. Although state senators can sponsor unlimited bills per year, state representatives in Florida are […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: What’s in a team nickname?
It’s an aspect of sports that, at the end of the day, doesn’t really matter. But without it, sports would not be the same. I’m talking, of course, about nicknames. Some teams are known more for their nicknames than the cities they represent. No one says, “I’m a fan of Boston baseball,” they say, “I’m […]
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: Son starts kindergarten, parents live to tell about it
Our son, Lyric, clings to my wife’s pant leg as we enter the classroom. There are a few other children already working away on their first kindergarten assignment. It’s an easy one — just a coloring page. After about a minute, we convince Lyric to sit down in his assigned seat. It’s his first desk on […]
Continue ReadingMY VIEW: Reading, regardless of platform, essential to ongoing education
No matter my age, the start of the school year stirs thoughts on the importance of education and the role reading and books play in learning. The rise of the digital world places a premium on interaction with phones and computers, but the act of reading itself remains essential to enhance the outlook of anyone’s […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Readers wants to start writing club
Dear Editor: Is it just me, or is there nothing to do in Plant City? At least for people like me: writers. There are acting, dance and sports groups galore, but no writing programs. The nearest gathering is in Lakeland. In high school, I felt like there was something for everyone except me. I was […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Honoring a true Plant City hero
Dear Editor: Plant City lost a genuine World War II hero last week with the passing of Terry Dykes (1924 to 2013). Terry served aboard the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier, when it was badly damaged by Japanese dive-bombers in April 1942, in the Coral Sea, and again in June 1942, at the Battle of […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Preseason essential in high school
Every year, there is an ongoing debate about preseason games at the pro level. Some believe the four-game NFL preseason should be cut in half or reduced to a single game. Some believe the games are unnecessary and only are beneficial to guys trying to make the team as back-up or scout team players. In […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Pro stars set bad examples
With the recent scandals surrounding MLB stars Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun and Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, you can’t blame those who have lost faith in sports. These days, it seems if you have an athlete as a role model, chances are, that role model will end up disappointing you with their actions — whether […]
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: Editor faces fear, falls in Kiwanis spelling bee
Haught Funeral Home’s David Wolf came into my office earlier this year with a crazy idea. He wanted to do an adult spelling bee, as a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Plant City. And he was going door-to-door, searching for competitors. He stroked my ego, saying I’d be a tough competitor. He fanned the […]
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