I am up early for a Saturday, sipping a cup of fresh made coffee and thinking back over it all. I dropped my daughter off at college yesterday and marked a bittersweet milestone. Yes, I know, quite the overused word in my opinion, and honestly, it’s lost the significance it once had. A milestone should […]
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SHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Athletic trainers needed at schools
By Matt Mauney | Staff Writer Everything happens for a reason. That was the message new Strawberry Crest head football coach John Kelly sent to his team after the Chargers’ season opener against crosstown rival Plant City. But the statement wasn’t in reference to the Chargers’ 21-7 win, which will go down as one of […]
Continue ReadingARTISTIC EYE: Plant City boasts many art offerings
What is the first thing you think about when you hear “Plant City?” That’s right! You think, “The arts.” OK, so maybe you don’t. I suppose it is more likely that strawberries and trains top that list, and for good reason, too. But why don’t the arts deserve at least an equal level?
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: Facebook photo yields surprising feedback
Facebook — and more specifically, people’s reactions on the social-media site — will never cease to amaze me. Take, for instance, the photo above. This was one of the first frames I snapped at Durant High School’s preseason football game Aug. 24. In actuality, I was just taking some test shots for lighting, when the national […]
Continue ReadingPUBLISHER’S NOTE: Report to the community
On July 4, a new community newspaper was born in Plant City. Dedicated to sinking deep, local roots here, we opened with a high level of community excitement and interest. Since then, we have published nine weekly editions, and the emotional support from the community has only gotten stronger. Ninety-nine percent of opinions expressed to […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Five things of note for fall season
By Matt Mauney | Staff Writer Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know it’s football season. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our extensive football preview guide, “Under Construction,” in this edition. But there are many other happenings coming up that are not related to the pigskin. Here’s the top […]
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: School delivers food for thought
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor My wife and I took it as a friendly reminder of something already delineated in the student handbook of our children’s new Plant City preschool. As we unpacked their backpacks following their first day of school Tuesday, we noticed a little note tied to our 4-year-old son, Lyric’s, lunch […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Wrestling match satisfies childhood dream
By Matt Mauney | Staff Writer There was a time when I was obsessed with professional wrestling. Growing up, most of my friends (well, guy friends) were into it. I started watching and got hooked. Every flashy entrance. Every finishing move. Every championship title match. I just couldn’t get enough of it.
Continue ReadingSAFETY FIRST: Enforcement agencies ready for RNC
By David Gee | Hillsborough County Sheriff The upcoming Republican National Convention will transform the Tampa Bay area on an international level. Like no other, this event will showcase the area’s communities, as well as the Herculean task to provide security for citizens, delegates, visitors and everyone in-between.
Continue ReadingPAST AND PRESENCE: Meet Plant City’s first queen
By Gil Gott | Plant City Photo Archives & History Center There are many good stories about Plant City, its religious life, social life, civic life, business life and more. On the business side, which now has become social as well, is the honoring of the strawberry. Before the strawberry, the agricultural products included cattle, […]
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