Plant City is as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Lester Wishnatzki is a big reason why. After growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Wishnatzki began working for the family business in the late 1930s, along with his brother, Joe. When their father and Wishnatzki & Nathel co-founder Harris Wishnatzki died in 1955, Mr. […]
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Plant City’s NRG hopes to take bite out of Big Apple
NRG’s summer vacation sounds like a plot out of a teen movie. The undiscovered-yet-blooming youth pop group has been invited to perform in “Feather,” in New York City. The performance is part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, the theater equivalent of Cannes. In other words, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “It’s a big deal,” […]
Continue ReadingArea students to compete at FFA State Convention
A year’s worth of hard work is paying off for 30 Plant City-area FFA students. The students, representing Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools and Tomlin Middle School, will compete at the FFA State Convention June 10 to 14, in Orlando. “We are very proud of our students,” said Pam Walden, supervisor of agriculture for […]
Continue ReadingHundreds light night for Misti Whitfield
The sky was gray and the air heavy with humidity as the words came out of Mel Ardelean’s mouth. More than 200 had gathered for a candlelight vigil June 4, at the Train Depot in Historic Downtown Plant City, to offer prayers and support for Ardelean’s stepdaughter, Misti Whitfield, 35, who has been missing since […]
Continue ReadingFamily, friends plan vigil for missing woman
Family members and friends of missing woman Misti Whitfield will hold a candlelight prayer vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, at McCall Park, Historic Downtown Plant City. Whitfield, daughter of Cuzzins Bar owner Sharon Ardelean, has been missing since May 1. Whitfield, 35, was last seen at about midnight May 1, at or near […]
Continue ReadingBREAKING NEWS: Uncle Mike’s coming to Plant City
Plant City soon will have another barbecue restaurant. Brandon-based Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill announced today plans to expand into the Strawberry Capital of the World. The new restaurant will open Aug. 8, at 106 S.R. 60 E., the location of the former Cowboys Steakhouse and Saloon. The restaurant will celebrate the opening with performances by […]
Continue ReadingPHOTO GALLERY: Bealsville banquet
Families of Bealsville gathered to dine and celebrate the end of an academic school year during the annual Bealsville Banquet Saturday, June 1. The fundraising event took place at the Bealsville Recreation Center off Nesmith Road. Proceeds from the banquet are split among all the current year graduating seniors to assist with collegiate expenses. The tradition […]
Continue ReadingPlant City woman charged with animal cruelty
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives charged a Plant City woman with one felony county of animal cruelty. According to Sheriff’s Office reports, detectives were notified in April, of an abused horse that was previously acquired from Lynda Jo Vilches, of Plant City. Detectives initiated an investigation and verified that a 25-year-old thoroughbred named Rusty had […]
Continue ReadingTomlin honors teachers with signs
Tomlin Middle School honored two teachers who passed away recently from cancer by naming the halls outside of their former classrooms after them. Principal Susan Sullivan led the sign ceremony for Bethanne Pearce and Marilyn Westfall. “We want to remember the great things they did for Tomlin,” Sullivan said. “We are so grateful of the legacy […]
Continue ReadingLove of a Lifetime
Thalia Ordaz and Alexis De La Garza have been happily engaged for more than a year. But, the couple doesn’t remember the first time they met. It’s not because of a fit of amnesia. Or that their first encounter wasn’t memorable. In fact, their story is so memorable, that it endured the test of time. […]
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