We asked Plant City: What’s a favorite “back in the day” memory that still makes you smile?
Riding my bike to Kirby’s bakery and the Plant City Swim Club.
Carolyn Everidge
My favorite throwback is going to be our times at the raider room!
Brad Sparkman
I remember when the fun machine was by the movie theaters my brother & I would go there during the summer. The Starlite drive in where Lowe’s sits. Oh and Skate Zone when it was a skating ring the only one we had in plant city, my friends and I would go every weekend and have a blast. I miss less traffic I see that sometimes on Sunday like wow I remember when the town was like this.
Ashley Jordan
Working at Dipper Dan In the mall!!!
Rita Griffin
Playing hide and go seek on horse back in the orange groves.
Faye Renee Irizarry
Dove Field & hanging out beside the old Starlight Drive In across from Plant City High School
Bubba Stanton
Fond memories of going with Mom to “The Mall” to visit Santa Claus, play on the red carpeted stairs at the movie theater just outside the entrance to “Grants”, and riding this fun, mini Ferris Wheel just outside the entrance to “Toy King” (though it didn’t seem mini at the time!). I loved that old mall as a kid
Vic Hamilton
So many
1. Danny Paul at the market restaurant
2. Lad and Lassie store
3. Blockbuster on Friday nights
4. The Fun Machine
5. Going to lunch with my Dad at Snellgroves when it used to be good
6. Woodys Barbecue
7. When it didn’t take me 20 mins to drive across town
8. Having a small school
Angie Robinson
Growing up I remember my brother and I would ride our bikes downtown on Saturday’s and eat at the 5&10 counter top cafe with the money we had saved each week collecting glass bottles and our allowance.
In the 80’s I remember the Raider Room arcade and the old record shop downtown.
I used to enjoy going to Scotty’s Hardware and McGinnes Lumber.
I loved growing up in Plant City. It sure has changed greatly but I am thankful for “the good old days”.
Skipper Rodgers
Do you remember Nippy’s cheesesteaks?!? Ohhhh! So good. The Grants parking lot was definitely a thing!!
Debbie Shelton
As a kid, I loved the button bin that was inside a craft/ fabric store at the old PC Mall.
Also, I loved the original Golden Corral that is where the IHOP is now located. They had a manager that was nicknamed “Shoeeater” he would visit our table and try and gobble at my shoes. Kinda odd to think about happening now a days- but back then it was okay- and a fond memory.
Kyle Patrick Kirkland
I miss the 90’s in pc. Early nights town closed and people spent time with family. Town was slower and life was slower. I miss the original mugs and movies. The arcade beside it- the fun machine. The old shopping mall where sav a lot is. I miss the old Buddy Freddy’s. I miss browns country store. Those places were special.
Ashley Going
These are some of my fondest memories, along with Family Shoe Store, Hillsborough Bank (first savings account), working at Chamber of Commerce in the late 60’s, Christmas parades, walking to and from school with no fear. And, so much more about our small town.
Joan Sumner Combs
Learning from my Father and Grandparents about the family history. I have only ever lived in a Plant City Zipcode. Things have changed in many ways.
Sarah Tickel VanCamp
Yes. No longer live in Plant City but it was the best place to grow up. One of my fondest memories is the first MLK day festival at the Haines Street Recreation Center in the 80s. What a wonderful time. Still remember the day so vividly. Also, working the Strawberry festival parking lot as a Tomlin student. The Centennial celebration at the old train station.
Kenya M. Sykes
