By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer You wouldn’t expect children to be running to a school bus unless they were late. But children in Hillsborough County have been flocking to one particular bus as if it were an ice cream truck. This summer, Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Student Nutrition Services has launched a new initiative […]
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STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Faith Christian Academy of Plant City
By Matt Mauney | Staff Writer A longtime educator, the idea of running her own school has been a dream for Nicole Williams. This fall, that dream becomes a reality. “I’ve been wanting to open my own school for many years and just didn’t have the right venue, and then it was suggested to open […]
Continue ReadingSeminary seeks yard sale donations
Evangelical University & Seminary is seeking donations for its upcoming yard sale. The sale will be July 21 and 28. Anyone wishing to donate items to the sale should contact Bob Westlake, 752-7197.
Continue ReadingClass of 1977 plans 35th reunion
Calling all members of the Plant City High School Class of 1977: Reservations for your 35th reunion are due July 6. Festivities for the reunion include at casual night from 6 to 11 p.m. Aug 3, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, followed by a banquet Aug. 4, at Embassy […]
Continue ReadingBorn on the Fourth of July
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor In many ways, it is fitting the Plant City Observer’s birthday is July 4. Much like the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 gave birth to an overwhelming sense of dream and wonder, we hope the Plant City Observer signifies the beginning of great opportunity in this city […]
Continue ReadingPlant City hospital plans $5M expansion
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer Steve Nierman, chief operating officer of South Florida Baptist Hospital, introduced a $5 million renovation plan at an open meeting June 19, at Hope Lutheran Church. “It’s going to touch almost every department in the hospital and it’s really going to make it more conducive for patient care, for […]
Continue ReadingNew opportunities bloom following Red Rose closing
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer For the last decade, the Red Rose Inn and Suites fulfilled the role of Plant City’s unofficial town hall, banquet facility and crown jewel. Richly decorated and presented to the public by always elegantly dressed co-owner Evelyn Madonia, the Red Rose oozed with Southern charm. And, perhaps most importantly, […]
Continue ReadingJuly 4 fireworks brighten Plant City
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer Joseph Mendolia has fond childhood memories about watching Plant City’s fireworks show with his dad. “The fireworks were always a staple in our community,” the USF graduate student said. “It was sad to see it disappear.”
Continue ReadingAuction draws 200 to Trinkle Center
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer In the market for some property? How does a 74-acre equine facility with two horse barns sound? Or maybe a pair of charming historic buildings in Plant City’s downtown? These were just three of the properties available at a Higgenbotham Auctioneers auction June 28, at the John R. Trinkle […]
Continue ReadingSO LONG, CHIEF
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor Technically, this isn’t George Shiley’s first retirement. Before he became Plant City’s fire chief 13 years ago, Shiley retired on a Friday as chief of his hometown fire department in Johnstown, Pa., where he had served for 24 years.
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