Emma Wetherington Photos courtesy of D1 Digitial Studios Emma is a senior at Strawberry Crest High and is the Flag Captain of the Band’s Color Guard Team, the Chargerettes. She is in her 4th year of color guard. What made you want to join color guard, and what got you interested in it? I wanted […]
Continue ReadingObituaries 08.20.26
Wanda ‘GiGi’ Grace Wanda “GiGi” Grace, 81, of Plant City, Fla., born on July 28, 1945, in Withlacoochee, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2026. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com. Chrystal Lynne Wilson Chrystal Lynne Wilson, 73, of Plant City, Fla., born on Mar. 23, 1953, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 12, 2026. Expressions of condolences […]
Continue ReadingCops Corner 08.20.26
August 16 Bye, Bye, Bye – Trespass after Warning/Drug Paraphernalia 1500 block of S Alexander St An officer responded to the location and observed a subject on the property that had previously been trespassed from the business. The subject was transported to Orient Road Jail. Get a Job – Fraud 800 block of S Woodrow […]
Continue ReadingPlant City police rule quadruple killing a murder-suicide after three-month investigation
Three months ago, the Plant City community was shaken by a quadruple homicide investigation that left a grandmother, mother and two children dead. Today, the Plant City Police Department has ruled the investigation a murder-suicide. Mother of three, Haley Dempsey, murdered her own mother before taking the lives of her 4-year-old and 4-month-old daughters and […]
Continue ReadingCops Corner 07.23.26
July 10 That’s About a Tank – Theft 4600 State Rd 574 Officers responded to the location in reference to a fuel theft. Upon arrival, contact was made with the store manager who reported $3,024.00 worth of fuel stolen. Tag Gone – Stolen Tag 800 block of S Empire St Officers responded to the above […]
Continue ReadingWashington Needs to Protect Florida’s Farmers from Foreign Cheaters
Florida produces some of the best food in the world grown by the best farmers, growers, and ranchers in the world. We have a vibrant agricultural industry that forms the backbone of our state’s economy and helps keep food on American tables. It also provides good jobs and a meaningful way of life to so […]
Continue ReadingNews Briefs 06.04.26
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCHES FREE SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to once again offer free meals to children and teens throughout the summer, ensuring students have access to nutritious food while school is out of session. The district’s Summer Feeding Program began at HOST sites […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry Crest High School Traditional Salutatorian
Sadie Gibson: Traditional Salutatorian 2026 GPA: 7.42 What accomplishment are you most proud of from your high school years, and why? My personal academic accomplishment that I’m most proud of is the honor of being the Salutatorian for the class of 2026. Outside of academics, I’m proud of establishing Crest’s Project 7 Club, growing membership […]
Continue ReadingNews Briefs 04.23.26
Mind My Skin: A Powerful New Event Addressing Mental Health and Skin Conditions Comes to Florida Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group is proud to present Mind My Skin, a transformative event designed to bring awareness to the often-overlooked mental health impact of living with visible skin conditions. Centered around the theme, “Beyond Appearance: The Power […]
Continue ReadingAround Town 04.16.26
We asked Plant City: What local artists or makers do you love supporting? I’ll nominate myself… VCT Art and Design Vanessa Cohen Thayer Visual arts wise, we’re big fans of Angie Hill Klein & Jessie Frier Musically, we have lots to list, but will keep the short list to Sarah Mae Gunn, Billy Ray Wheaton, […]
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