No matter my age, the start of the school year stirs thoughts on the importance of education and the role reading and books play in learning. The rise of the digital world places a premium on interaction with phones and computers, but the act of reading itself remains essential to enhance the outlook of anyone’s […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: Hope Lutheran launches new GRIEFSHARE class
Pastor, it hurts. Any pastor in any denomination can tell you that those are familiar words we hear following the death of a loved one. To lose one’s partner in life after 50, 60 or even 70 years of marriage leaves a hole and void that can never be filled. To hear from parents: “Pastor, […]
Continue ReadingAfter auction, future of Red Rose still uncertain
Editor’s Note: A version of this story was first published on TampaBay.com. The future of the Red Rose Inn & Suites was locked away Aug. 16, in a tiny room off the auction’s center stage, at the Lakeland Center. With the exception of a tiny sliver of light, curious bystanders couldn’t catch a glimpse of […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: Guilty until proven innocent
I was standing in the courtroom, when I heard the judge’s gavel resound on the soundboard beneath it. The courtroom was empty, because this was not a jury trial. I had entered the plea of not guilty and waived my right to a jury, hoping that this judge would be fair when he had heard […]
Continue ReadingMadonia auctions begin this week
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Aug. 11 edition of the Tampa Bay Times. How did it come to this? Evelyn and Batista Madonia worked for more than a half-century building their fortune. They are known for the Red Rose Inn & Suites, a Plant City landmark, but the real money, millions upon […]
Continue ReadingEarly Plant City leaders and the Knights of Pythias
Plant City was first chartered in 1885, and as Plant City historian, David E. Bailey, Jr., wrote, it was an “instant town.” By 1902, the town had progressed to the point that Philander Allen Merrin, then editor of the Plant City Courier, wrote, “Plant City’s future was assured.” Merrin wrote of the many different businesses […]
Continue ReadingJOSHING AROUND: God is calling: Grow young again
When I was a little boy, we got bored a lot. Well, in my house, it was illegal to get bored. My mom was agnostic to boredom and refused to believe it was possible to exist if one had an imagination. It would never fail in the summer time. My little brother, Zak, and I would be […]
Continue ReadingPERMACULTURE LIVING: Designing your garden homesite
Gardening, as a science, includes many features that may not be readily apparent until you pay close attention to the natural dynamics on your site. In a permaculture garden, a well-developed design is the central feature leading to a rich successful garden. Many gardeners fail to plan out a specific property design, which can result […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: City’s help welcome in golf-course battle
Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Plant City Assistant to the City Manager Michael Karr. I want to thank you for the time you gave me earlier this week to speak to you regarding the present conditions of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, and the rumors being floated by the current owners […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: WLGCC owners: We will work with you
Editor’s note: This letter was originally published on savethecourse.com. Vision Golf LLC understands the concern and anxiety over the preliminary suggested changes with the golf courses, because they and the other amenities have been an integral part of this community since its beginning. As we move forward with our proposals, our intention is to work […]
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