Most fishermen have at least a few tall tales up their sleeves. But Plant City High School junior Chase Lott catches all of his outdoor adventures on video. He found his calling last summer at Captiva Island just north of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. But he didn’t get the idea to start […]
Continue ReadingBeloved P.C. Dolphins president Bennett dies
Buddy Bennett, president of the Plant City Dolphins football and cheerleading organization, died Tuesday morning, team sources confirmed. Bennett, who worked tirelessly as the Dolphins’ president for 20 years, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013. Even in the face of the diagnosis, Bennett was known for toughing it out in order to be with […]
Continue ReadingATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Eric Ugarte
Plant City’s boys soccer team is coming off of an appearance in the FHSAA regional tournament, ending with a 5-3 loss at Palmetto Thursday, Jan. 29. Head coach Chris Black has been pleased with the team’s effort this season, especially praising the efforts of freshman Eric “Peanut” Ugarte. So, everyone calls you “Peanut.” How did […]
Continue ReadingBlack Heritage Celebration set for next week
It’s Black History Month, and Plant City is ready to celebrate it in the biggest way it knows how. The 12th annual Black Heritage Education and Cultural Festival, presented by Black Heritage Celebration Inc., looks to be next weekend’s hot ticket. With events scheduled from Feb. 13 to 15 and another celebration Feb. 21, area […]
Continue ReadingWHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? Endurance racing is serious business
I have to admit it: Automotive racing isn’t really one of my strong suits. I have nothing against the sport. It’s just not something I’ve really kept tabs on, outside of NASCAR’s Chase for the Cup, in the same way most America gets curious about soccer once every four years. I’ve just never been able […]
Continue ReadingBerry to receive honors
Al Berry has always liked to keep busy, especially if he’s helping out in the Plant City community. His schedule’s about to get even busier in the coming months, thanks to some award selections and a new gig at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Berry, 79, is set to receive the Boy Scouts’ Dean Snyder Soaring […]
Continue ReadingDurant senior en route to racing career
At the moment, Chris DeShong’s 1995 Honda Prelude doesn’t look like a winner. Damage to the front fender and a minor issue with the suspension means that the car’s going to be staying in the garage until it gets repaired. Looks aren’t everything, though. If this car could talk, it would have some bragging rights […]
Continue ReadingSidelines 2.6.15
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. BASKETBALL + Crest girls win district For one half of Thursday’s 7A-7 district championship game, the Plant City defense was in control. In the second half, Strawberry Crest proved that defense doesn’t always win championships. A third-quarter rally, capped off with […]
Continue ReadingArea softball teams sporting new looks
By the time this issue of the Plant City Times & Observer hits the newsstands, softball season will be underway. If this season is anything like the 2014 season, then fans of all three area teams should be in for a good ride over the next few months. On the other hand, all of the […]
Continue ReadingNational Signing Day 2015
In college football circles, Feb. 4 is practically a holiday. High school seniors all over the nation signed their letters of intent to play collegiate sports on Wednesday, and Plant City-area schools sent over a dozen athletes to the collegiate ranks during the day. PLANT CITY Football – Sawyer Dawson (Purdue), Matt Tucker (Stetson), Austin […]
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