Just weeks after opening its doors to students in January, Rick Lott Technical College is already rolling into the spotlight. Students enrolled in building trades and construction technology, welding and electricity programs, debuted a 16-foot, bright red float in the Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade, transforming a rusty trailer into a showcase of skill, teamwork, […]
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News Briefs 03.05.26
Dreams Come True at the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Summer Youth Fire Academy Many teenagers have imagined working as a first responder, fighting fires, saving lives, and being recognized as a community hero. And parents have dreamed of seeing their son or daughter in uniform, working in a noble profession. Those dreams can come true […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry Festival Luncheon Celebrates Plant City’s Farmers, Volunteers, and Agricultural Legacy
More than 100 guests filled the HCC Trinkle Center, dressed in shades of red, many wearing strawberry pins fastened neatly to their lapels. Laughter carried across the room as attendees balanced plates of fresh fruit, cheese, and slices of strawberry shortcake. By 10:50 a.m., the buffet line stretched across the hall. But the gathering was […]
Continue ReadingDurant High Theatre Makes History with First-Ever State Thespian One-Act
For the first time in school history, the theatre program at Durant High School has advanced a one-act production to the Florida State Thespian Festival, marking a milestone moment for students, staff, and the larger community. Durant’s theatre program has been active for decades, with Thespian Troupe 5444 forming a long-standing part of the school’s […]
Continue ReadingPlanes, Trains and Automobiles flies and rolls into town
On Saturday, the 14th annual Planes, Trains & Automobiles festival took place at Plant City Airport. Attendees were treated to a terrific display of some unique aircraft and automobiles, as well as model railroads and radio-controlled airplanes. Sports cars, motorcycles, and three-wheeled trikes were among the vehicles waiting to enter the parking gate. These are […]
Continue ReadingRed Calliope Gallery on Evers Brings and Rouge Champagne Bar Bring Cabaret Back to Plant City with Their New Show Inferno, Cabaret at The Disco
Red Calliope Gallery on Evers and Rouge Champagne Bar in Plant City have become the go-to spot in the historic downtown corridor for all things art, music, comedy, and theater. This past October, they debuted their first cabaret show, La Lemiere, which was a mixture of Broadway’s sexy songs, Chicago, Moulin Rouge, and The Greatest […]
Continue ReadingAround Town 02.26.26
We asked Plant City: How many years have you been attending the Florida Strawberry Festival? 59. I’m only 58 but I’m counting when my mom went while pregnant with me. J.R. Pitts My mother is 98.5 years old and doesn’t remember exactly how old she was when she attended the first time, but remembers she […]
Continue ReadingObituaries 02.26.26
Etta Mae Orr Wetherington Etta Mae Orr Wetherington entered heaven on Feb. 17, 2026, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her husband of 65 years, Joe Wetherington. Etta was born in a log cabin near Corbin, Kentucky, on Nov. 11, 1922, to Frank Weatherford Orr and Lula Alice Hendrix Orr, and moved […]
Continue ReadingPlant City City Manager Named Parade Marshal of Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade
Bill McDaniel has been named the distinguished parade marshal of the 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade, an honor parade organizers said reflects decades of leadership, service, and commitment to the community. Berry Fine Productions, Inc., which organizes the annual parade, announced McDaniel’s selection as part of preparations for the 2026 festival. The festival’s theme, […]
Continue ReadingFestival Royalty Takes the Spotlight
The 2026 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and her court were all smiles as they gathered with family and festival leaders for the unveiling of the updated queen’s exhibit, an annual tradition that preserves the pageant’s history while celebrating its former and current royalty. The exhibit, located inside the Milton E. Hull Building (also known as […]
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