Dear Editor: Transparency, consistency and objectivity are minimum standards all dues-paying members deserve from their homeowners association. A lack of transparency, a lack of consistency and conflicts of interest in any public entity can lead to the appearances of impropriety and to an environment of mistrust. At a recent board meeting of the Walden Lake […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Mercer raises more questions than he answers
Dear Steve Mercer: Most people have empathy for those who run their own businesses, and I doubt anyone in this community has any personal animosity toward you or your partners. However, your recent letter in the Plant City Times & Observer raised more questions than it answered. You stated, “No one was interested in buying […]
Continue ReadingLIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: Commitment bracelet reminds of God’s love
Have you ever had something fall out of a box that took you back instantly in time? While still unpacking the numerous boxes from my final move from the military life to the civilian one here in Plant City, a small, tattered, worn-out bracelet hit the floor. Within a few seconds, I was standing in […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Walden Lake golf course trouble truly a shame
Dear Editor: Thanks for the letter about the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club in the Plant City Times & Observer. I am afraid I am one of the non-joining ones who are to blame not supporting the golf course/clubhouse. I’m one of those who is here part-time and away part-time. All this is too […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Steppin’ Stone article an accurate portrayal
Dear Editor: Thank you for your recent article about Steppin’ Stone Farm. You took the information we gave you and wrote a really great article, without changing the content or taking things out of context. You treated the girls’ testimonies with respect and took the time to honestly show what our ministry is about. Three of […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Dean Snyder: A true Plant City hero
Dear Editor: Thank you for the beautiful piece (about Dean Snyder) we have just read in the Plant City Times & Observer. I hope you had the honor of personally knowing Dean. He will be missed not only by his family and friends but also by the Plant City community as a whole. You said it so well: “He forever will […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Background checks do not infringe on rights
Dear Editor: I am a gun owner, and I support comprehensive background checks for gun purchases. Preserving the right to responsible gun ownership is important to me. I’ve owned guns for most of my life. But, along with our Second Amendment right to bear arms comes certain responsibilities, such as using our guns safely and […]
Continue ReadingPlant City residents recount time in Switzerland
Switzerland is a lovely country. The first time I visited was in 1988, when I accompanied my aunt and uncle and one of my cousins on a business trip. I was fascinated with Switzerland and always hoped I would get to go back to visit. I never imagined that I would someday live there part-time. […]
Continue ReadingFAITH MATTERS: In social-media world, knowledge is not wisdom
There have been several important news events in the past few weeks and months. This summer, usually a slow time for news, has been a near constant barrage of stories of how our lives are changing and developing — politically and socially and, perhaps, spiritually. I spend a fair amount of time keeping up with the […]
Continue ReadingLETTERS: Residents react to Walden Lake letter
Dear Editor: Mismanagement is the only reason the course has failed! There are a lot of courses within 20 miles or so, and they are all doing really well. We were members and live on the Hills, but (because of) the taking away of the amenities one by one and no improvements to show us, […]
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