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 ReadingNews
July 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.
Continue ReadingCity commission approves moratorium on mobility fees
By Michael Eng | Managing Editor City leaders continued their push to spur development as they approved a moratorium on transportation mobility fees June 25. The moratorium began July 1 and will continue through Sept. 30, 2013. It also extends the discount to certain building permits until Sept. 30, 2015.
Continue ReadingNEIGHBOR: Kate Chang
By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer You’ll be seeing Kate Chang reading her favorite pop-up book, “Wide Mouth Frog,” at the Bruton Memorial Library more often. After a stint as the teen librarian and the computer-services librarian, Chang is now the new children’s librarian. Chang took the position June 3, following longtime children’s librarian Carol […]
Continue ReadingNEWS BRIEFS: 07.04.12
+ Rotary, Lions clubs name new presidents The Rotary Club of Plant City installed new President Billy Keel during a banquet June 21, at Lone Palm Country Club in Lakeland. The organization also awarded several honors, including the Rotarian of the Year to Bill Wicker and the Rising Star Award to Charles Harris.
Continue ReadingRIBBON CUTTING: Liberty National Insurance
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Liberty National Insurance June 19. For more information, call 863-682-7139 or visit libertynational.com.WiHack Mobile
Continue Reading