At Burney Elementary’s Head Start class, something special is happening. Instead of running around the playground or learning their letter and numbers, the approximately two dozen children were circling around a row of bright red cattle buckets. These weren’t any ordinary buckets, though; they were the foundation of a brand-new bucket garden. The idea began […]
Continue ReadingPatriot’s Day Ride draws hundreds, raises funds for local causes
More than 120 motorcycles, trikes and slingshots rumbled from River’s Edge Bar & Grill in Gibsonton to AMVETS Post 44 in Plant City on Saturday as it hosted its 18th annual Patriot’s Day Ride, an event commemorating the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the bravery of those who responded to the tragedy, raising […]
Continue ReadingSTRAWBERRY CREST ANNOUNCES 28 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
Photo courtesy of Jamie Ferrario Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced 80 students have been named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, operated by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Of this number, 28 are Strawberry Crest High School (SCHS) students. The nearest runner-up had 11 students reach this level. For other schools in […]
Continue ReadingLisa Westcott Launches Homeschool Program in Plant City
A new homeschool program will debut Aug. 19 at Red Calliope Gallery on Evers, offering preschool through third grade students the chance to learn music fundamentals in small, age-specific classes. The program, Music with Nona Lisa, is led by Lisa Westcott, affectionately known as “Nona Lisa,” meaning grandmother in Italian, a veteran music educator with […]
Continue ReadingSurprise Celebration Marks 40 Years of Business (and a Few Rock Star Dreams) for Dan Raulerson
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 […]
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