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 […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Relationships matter in Walden Lake dispute
Dear Editor: I am a new resident of the Walden Lake community. I purchased a home in Walden Lake for the beauty of the area, proximity to Tampa and Disney, as well as having a golf course within the community. I wasn’t much impressed with the course when I bought here. As a matter of […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Photo Archives receives WWII Japanese flag
A tattered, bullet-riddled World War II Japanese flag has been donated to the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center for its collection and display. The flag was acquired by U.S. Army infantryman Pfc. William Henry Isaac Jr., in January 1943, at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Isaac was in a firefight in jungle terrain and […]
Continue ReadingLETTER TO THE EDITOR: Poor customer service part of WLCC problem
Dear Editor: I just finished reading Michael Eng’s article in the Plant City Observer, and I am alarmed by what I have read. My wife and I purchased our Walden Lake home last December, partly because of its location on the golf course, and feel we were duped. The troubles with the course and possible redevelopment were […]
Continue ReadingLETTER TO THE EDITOR: City, state leaders urged for WLCC input
Editor’s note: This letter was sent to local and state political leaders, including Plant City Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis, Vice Mayor Rick Lott, city commissioners Bill Dodson, Billy Keel and Mike Sparkman, City Manager Greg Horwedel, City Attorney Kenneth Buchman, City Clerk Kerri Miller, Director of Planning and Zoning Mark Hudson, Florida state Rep. Dan […]
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