Dan Raulerson thought he was showing up to a birthday celebration for his partner Irene Castillo at Keel & Curley Winery. What he didn’t expect was to see his own smiling face on a sign alongside hers. “I walk in and see ‘Happy 40th Birthday, Irene!’ And right next to it, ‘Happy 40th in Business, […]
Continue ReadingBurney Elementary Earns First ‘B’ Grade in More than a Decade
For the first time in more than 10 years, Burney Elementary School has earned a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education, a major milestone that school leaders say is the result of teamwork, consistency, and a relentless commitment to student growth. Burney’s improved performance reflects steady progress over several years, said Principal Brooke […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Professional Set to Represent Florida on National Pageant Stage
A Plant City professional with deep roots in pageantry is preparing to take the national stage next month, representing the Sunshine State at the Miss for America national competition in Las Vegas. The pageant, set to begin Aug. 24, will mark the next chapter in a lifelong passion for Hayley Franklin, a market manager at […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Fire Rescue Strengthens Ranks with New Hires
Plant City Fire Rescue (PCFR) took a major step toward bolstering its ranks during last month’s investiture ceremony that not only welcomed a new fire chief and two deputy chiefs but also eight new firefighter/paramedics. The swearing-in ceremony, held May 19 at the TECO Expo Hall, was especially meaningful for Fire Chief David Dittman, who […]
Continue ReadingOfficers Recognized at 63rd Annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner
The TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival was the safest place in town the evening of Tuesday, May 13 as hundreds of law enforcement officers from the Plant City Police Department (PCPD), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gathered for the 63rd […]
Continue ReadingGentlemen’s Quest Club Gets Visit From Police Chief
Photos courtesy of Stanley Glover Woo, woo, woo. Plant City Police Department Chief Richard Mills, Jr. and Captain Alfred Van Duyne visited the Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School’s Gentlemen’s Quest Club on Monday to engage with students and build positive relationships, offer guidance and support their development. The club, affectionately known as “GQ,” a […]
Continue ReadingFlorida Strawberry Festival Delivers Sweet Economic Boost to Plant City and Its People
Every spring, more than 650,000 visitors flock to Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival, lured by the scent of fried foods, the sound of thrilling concerts and small-town charm, but long after the food is eaten and the concerts end lies a powerful story of economic impact that touches nearly every corner of the […]
Continue ReadingChristy Linke To Be Installed As President of Florida Federation of Garden Clubs
Christy Linke’s journey to becoming the president of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) is a testament to her passion, dedication and love for both horticulture and the community. A long-time member and leader of the Plant City Garden Club (PCGC), Linke will be installed as FFGC president at its April 10 meeting in […]
Continue ReadingSpring Cleaning and Well-Being
Baseboards and bathrooms and vents, oh my. While not everyone may enjoy their spring cleaning chores, it’s better than some other seasonal activities that occur during the same time frame, like writing a fat check to Uncle Sam or trying to figure out if the cat food purchased to feed stray cats is tax deductible […]
Continue ReadingMother-Daughter Duo Celebrates Six Sweet Years of Cookie Success at Florida Strawberry Festival
For six years, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies has drawn crowds to one particular stand at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Behind the “sweet success” of the Cookie Barn is a mother-daughter duo with an unusual twist- only one of them knows the recipes. Head baker Stacy McDowell has been crafting her signature cookies […]
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