With the construction nearly complete and most of the homes sold in Plant City’s Whispering Woods, builder DR Horton transitioned leadership last month to the community’s first homeowners association board. Moving forward, the new, four-member HOA, with the help of management company Meritus Associations, will be charged with managing the community’s HOA dues and the […]
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Strawberry Crest chefs compete at state competition
Nine of Strawberry Crest High School’s top chefs took a two-day trip to Orlando last week to slice and dice statewide competition. But, this isn’t some typical home economics coursework: This was serious, five-star business. The Chargers competed against 62 other schools March 4 and 5, in the ProStart Culinary Team Competition, an event sponsored […]
Continue ReadingLongtime volunteer shines at Trapnell Elementary
Mimi Copen is a familiar face in the halls of Trapnell Elementary School. She’s there every week, but not because she’s a paid faculty member — she’s a dedicated volunteer. Sitting in the inner courtyard, the feisty, leopard print-wearing mom says hello to almost everyone who walks by. They know the familiar face as an […]
Continue ReadingBailey Elementary, Strawberry Crest team up for festival, 5K
That old saying about the three “Rs” used to go like this: “Reading, Writing and ‘Rithmetic.” At Bailey Elementary and Strawberry Crest High School this weekend, it’ll be “Reading, Writing and Running.” Bailey’s Running Club, now in its second year, will host a 5K this weekend, at neighboring Strawberry Crest High School, in conjunction with […]
Continue ReadingFive earn Eagle Scout designation
Five scouts from Boy Scout Troop 5 will receive the award of Eagle Scout during a celebratory recognition ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St., Plant City. A Scout Court of Honor will be held on behalf of Chase Dunn, Michael Hahn, Isaac Rivers, Christopher Tatum and Spencer Tatum. The rank of […]
Continue ReadingHillsborough commissioners approve Horwedel’s hiring
Hillsborough County commissioners voted 6-0 March 19, to hire Plant City Manager Greg Horwedel as their deputy county administrator. “I especially want to welcome Greg to our family,” said Commissioner Kevin Beckner. “(I) got to know Greg working on the transportation, as well as the violence prevention collaborative.” Horwedel will be County Administrator Mike Merrill’s […]
Continue ReadingChamber hosts Rep. Dennis Ross
U.S. Rep Dennis Ross was the featured speaker at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Contact Breakfast March 19, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Building. Ross spoke on a plethora of topics, including immigration, health care, flood insurance and more. Silvia Dodson won the chamber’s Good Egg of the Month award.
Continue ReadingFDOT plans I-4 detours this month
The Florida Department of Transportation announced last week two days of Interstate 4 closures in Polk County, because of CSX railroad track repairs at the Kathleen Road overpass. I-4 will close westbound from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Regional traffic will leave I-4 westbound at Exit 41 and follow the Polk Parkway […]
Continue ReadingHillsborough Title announces partnership
Hillsborough Title President and CEO Aaron Davis announced March 18, the acquisition of HomePlus Title, as well as the Hillsborough Title family of companies’ expansion into Polk County. It is the company’s second acquisition in four months. Through HomePlus Title, the company now will serve Polk County through offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. “We […]
Continue ReadingStrawberry Festival Attendance, Spending Up
Thanks to plenty of good luck with the weather and a solid concert lineup, Strawberry Festival attendance and spending figures are both up from last year. According to General Manager Paul Davis, the Festival saw 531,659 people come through over its 11-day run – over 5,000 more than in 2013, when the final figure was […]
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