Explore Your City: Downtown Commercial District

The Farmers and Merchants Bank operated on Collins Street for many years, and was replaced by what is now the Scientology building in 2005. (Courtesy photo | Plant City Photo Archive & History Center)

Even notable residents like Al Berry and Howard Wansley could be found having fun in the streets of downtown Plant City from time to time. (Courtesy photo | Plant City Photo Archive & History Center)

The Wesley Centre building used to be a hotel, and Major League Baseball players traveling through the area for spring training would often stay there. Today, it is owned by First United Methodist Church of Plant City.

Nods to Plant City’s deep railroad roots can be found all over the district, including the manhole covers.

Big, old churches dominate the district’s skyline, and make up a large part of the area’s culture.

Although the State Theatre’s shelves and walls are all lined with Americana, this one used to be a partition wall during the theater’s segregation period. It was officially desegregated in 1960, shortly before the theater closed.

This friendly face greets all who walk down J. Arden Mays Boulevard.

The “Heart of Plant City” mural was painted twice by artist John Briggs: once in 1974 (which lasted for 30 years), and again in 2009 after the original was destroyed in an arson fire. The city recognizes the area as the Collins Street Mural Park.

Some local businesses, such as Krazy Kup, have breathed artistic life into the district since opening. “King Louie” greets all visitors that enter from the Collins Street parking lot.

The commercial district has something to offer for all kinds of shoppers.