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 I want to visit in that area in the coming years.
I enjoy a variety of foods, thus, additional restaurants in our city makes the top of my priority list. Driving the short distance to Midtown to find dessert shops and a variety of eateries would add to the convenience of living in Plant City. The city’s Midtown Vision flyer pictures places with outdoor seating, giving people a choice to eat inside or enjoy the fresh air. Plant City’s population is expected to increase every year, and this means more people to see strolling around Midtown.
Because I am an admitted bibliophile, I am looking for a small bookstore. People living in Plant City need to leave town just to reach bookstores. Seeing print on paper never lost its appeal for me.
It may be asking too much to see a good men’s store in Midtown, but I do want to see one do business there. I remember a place called “Earl’s Men’s Wear” that sold clothes in downtown Plant City along Reynolds Street. Making a purchase or two in a store like that could supplement all that online shopping I am tempted to do.
Though I hesitate to endorse any brand names, having a shop that caters to all of our cyber, wireless inventions might prosper in Midtown. Another trip to Brandon, Tampa or Lakeland would no longer be necessary.
The Midtown Vision also includes space for manufacturing centers. Attracting companies would provide work for more people who live here. This increases the quality of life for everyone and enhances the opportunities for people to live here long-term.
This is just my wish list for Midtown.
The Midtown fountain has started flowing with water. It seems we are watering Plant City’s grounds for the kind of healthy, prosperous future it deserves.
Scott Toler is a lifelong resident of Plant City. He can be reached at etoler25@tampabay.rr.com.