All I know is optimism on starting a new day ahead of the game quickly faded today. For once in my life, the nighttime version of Josh was considerate to the morning Josh and set his alarm. It was beautiful. Maybe it is age, but I wanted to get an early start to my day […]
Continue ReadingPERMACULTURE LIVING: Sustainable practices critical to our prolonged prosperity
There are two major taproots from which permaculture emerged. In 1979, an Australian ecology teacher and one of his graduate students coined and open copyrighted the term permaculture by combining the words “permanent” and “agriculture.” If you do an Internet search for either Bill Mollison or David Holmgren, you’ll find a vast body of information […]
Continue ReadingSouthside sold, new owners plan expansion
Tim Lopez Sr., president and CEO of Plant City-based residential contractor Westcoast Enterprises, and his wife, Pam Lopez, purchased the three-building Southside Farm and Pet Supply for $2.43 million. The price equated to $113 per square foot. That figure is lower than the two-year average price per square foot for retail space ($146) in the […]
Continue ReadingLIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: There’s no place like home
In 1939, a film was released by MGM that became an American classic. It introduced the amazing world of Technicolor characters — yet the story of “The Wizard of Oz” is best summed up with these words, “There’s no place like home.” After 20-plus years of serving our nation in the U.S. Army, these words […]
Continue ReadingPAJAMA MAMA: Planting seeds of virtue in your children
Silence is golden — until you have children. Then, silence means trouble is lurking. As a stay-at-home mom, I always am looking for inexpensive activities to engage my children, and, of course, keep them from tearing the walls of our home down to the studs. A few weeks ago, I was scouring the aisles of […]
Continue ReadingLETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thonotosassa Road renamed after a hero?
Dear Editor: I am emailing you in reference to the renaming of a segment of Thonotosassa Road. My son, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Dep. David Anthony Abella, died in the line of duty April 21, 2004. He graduated from Plant City High School. He played football and was on the wrestling team. After graduating, he served in the […]
Continue ReadingLETTER TO THE EDITOR: Walden Lake East fence a city eyesore
Dear Editor: I have lived in Plant City since 1967, and I love and am proud of living here. I also was a teacher in one of our schools here. I was here during the creation of Walden Lake. There is one thing that embarrasses me as I travel Alexander Street: the old, rickety, ugly […]
Continue ReadingLETTER TO THE EDITOR: Story captures son’s service
Dear Editor: I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for a beautifully written article about my son, Daniel Taylor. I appreciate the time and effort you put into the article. It was quite comprehensive, and I can tell you spent a lot of time doing your homework. The Plant City Observer […]
Continue ReadingPAST AND PRESENCE: Mary Jane Jackson Parolini: A real queen
Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series about Mary Jane Jackson Parolini. Looking back to 1956, Mary Jane Jackson Parolini said it was an incredible year. It was her senior year at Plant City High School, and she was busy that year being a class officer, homeroom officer, a thespian, a Kiwanette, […]
Continue ReadingJOSHING AROUND: God’s love is the ultimate academy award
Several years ago, I played a small part in the movie, “Why I Got Married, Too,” directed by Tyler Perry. Although it has been a while, I am still not 100% sure how to describe the experience. In my past, I had been an extra in a few films and knew how to blend in […]
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