For Ava Jackson, Plant City has always meant home. Although she was born in Jacksonville, Jackson returned to her mother’s hometown with her siblings after her father passed away. She grew up surrounded by grandparents, family, and the familiar rhythms of a small town: riding bikes through the neighborhood with friends, exploring and simply enjoying […]
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Around Town 09.10.26
We asked Plant City: Is a hotdog a sandwich? A hot dog is definitely NOT a sandwich. It’s in a class of goodness all by itself. Staci Martin According to Merriam Webster, yes: two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between. Ciara Martin No it’s a tube of […]
Continue ReadingObituaries 09.10.26
Ms. Evelyn Johnson Milton Ms. Evelyn Johnson Milton, 95, of Lithia, Fla., born on Aug. 8, 1931, in Keysville, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 4, 2026. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com. James ‘Bobby’ Robert Evans, Sr. James “Bobby” Robert Evans, Sr., 74, of Plant City, Fla., born on July 23, 1952, in Marion, […]
Continue ReadingMcIntosh Green Market Returns Saturday
The McIntosh Green Market is returning to Plant City this Saturday, bringing together local growers, makers, small businesses, environmental organizations, and some of the city’s youngest entrepreneurs for a morning of shopping and community. Now in its second year, the market is presented by McIntosh Preserve and the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department. While […]
Continue ReadingAuto Review 09.03.26
FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY IS THE ‘MOTHER’ OF ALL TRUCKS ON THE ROAD! The name is an instant giveaway! Super Duty for heavy work in construction, utility, emergency response vehicles and forestry. After all, more than 90 percent of heavy-duty pickup owners buy them for either hauling or towing. After a major overhaul in 2023, […]
Continue ReadingHonoring Our Heroes Returns for Eighth Year
For eight years, Judy Wise has carried a quiet worry: What happens to Plant City’s annual veterans event if she can no longer run it? At 81, Wise knows she can’t do everything forever, but she isn’t ready to step aside, either. While her team of family, friends and supporters has organized the annual Plant […]
Continue ReadingPlant City Entertainment: There is No Place Like Home
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves going back to where everything started. Perhaps it sounds like a familiar theme – a young girl from a small town ventures into the great big world. In this story, she’s from Plant City, growing up off Knights Griffin Road, surrounded by strawberry fields. If you’re from around here, […]
Continue ReadingAround Town 09.03.26
We asked Plant City: Preparation for strawberry season is well underway! What strawberry treat are you most looking forward to? Strawberry brisket tacos!!! Johnson’s!!!! Lori Kent This is tough, I am going to go with strawberry shortcake, because it’s like ice cream / frozen yogurt, you can put whatever toppings and customize it however you […]
Continue ReadingObituaries 09.03.26
Felix Pedro Sanchez Arriola Felix Pedro Sanchez Arriola, 61, of Tampa, Fla., born on Oct. 23, 1964, in Danli, El Paraiso, Honduras, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 24, 2026. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com. David Andrew Thiel, Sr. David Andrew Thiel, Sr., age 83, of Johns Creek, GA, passed away in the early morning of […]
Continue ReadingFrom Childhood Stories to Dark Fantasy
For Plant City author Kenneth Kelly, storytelling started long before he ever considered himself a writer. As a child, Kelly loved listening to his grandparents tell stories. He was fascinated by the characters, the twists and turns, and the simple magic of sitting down and being transported somewhere else. Before he could read or write […]
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