District 3 Tony Smith District 4 Camryn Henry While there are a number of candidates that I believe genuinely have the best interest of the community and everyone in it (as opposed to a smaller, wealthier part of the community), these two have been active locally for years, as I believe the have both run […]
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Obituaries 03.19.26
Dennis Raymond Perkins Dennis Raymond Perkins, 70, of Lithia, Fla., born on Mar. 20, 1955, in Hamilton, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on Mar. 12, 2026. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com. Ruby G. Hamilton Ruby G. Hamilton, 82, of Mulberry, Fla., born on May 23, 1943, in Tennessee, entered into eternal rest on Mar. 8, 2026. Expressions of […]
Continue ReadingA Century of Sunshine: Mary Louise Wise Turns 100
On March 11, Mary Louise Wise celebrated an extraordinary milestone—her 100th birthday. Born in 1926, Mary now resides in the independent living facility at Grace Manor at Hunters Creek in Plant City, just minutes from downtown. If you happen to pass her in the hallway, chances are you’ll be greeted with a warm smile, a […]
Continue ReadingObituaries 03.12.26
Franklin E. Wilson Franklin E. Wilson, 82, of Plant City, Fla., born on Sept. 22, 1943, in Tampa, Fla., entered into eternal rest on Mar. 3, 2026. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com. Velma Weaver Velma Weaver, 84 of Plant City, Fla., was peacefully welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on Mar. 3, 2026. Expressions of condolences […]
Continue ReadingThe Offspring Bring Punk Rock Energy to the Florida Strawberry Festival
On Saturday night, the Wish Farms Soundstage at the Florida Strawberry Festival was taken over by Southern California punk legends The Offspring, delivering a high-energy performance that felt both nostalgic and electrifyingly fresh. For many longtime fans, seeing a band born in the gritty Orange County punk scene take the stage in the middle of […]
Continue ReadingAround Town 03.05.26
We asked Plant City: Are you choosing Cake or Biscuit for your strawberry shortcake? Cake ! But let’s be honest, I’m just here for the strawberries Katelynn Bridgmon Well it is strawberry short (cake) Ronda Allen Definitely cake ! Alexis Charles It’s called Strawberry Shortcake. Emphasis on the cake. Not Strawberry Short Biscuit. Michael Tickel […]
Continue ReadingObituaries 03.05.26
Richard Dale Lariscy Richard Dale Lariscy, 78, of Lithia, Fla., born in Plant City, Fla., on Mar. 13, 1947, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 22, 2026. Expressions of condolences at HopewellFuneral.com. John T. Brightwell III John T. Brightwell III, 70, of Dover, Fla., born on Eglin AFB on Oct. 13, 1955, entered into eternal rest on […]
Continue ReadingBerry Bright Beginning: New Tech School Builds Sweet Float For Strawberry Festival Grand Parade
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, […]
Continue ReadingNews 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 […]
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