Growing up in Plant City, I remember people who contributed to the good life of our community, and I know people now who still make the lives we live here even better. That advantage is shared by anyone who grew up in a town that values a sense of place and the role that place […]
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SHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Farewell to the Winter Strawberry Capital
When I first accepted this job and moved from Atlanta to Plant City, I didn’t know what to expect. Like many of my colleagues, being a part of a startup paper was both exciting and scary. The opportunity was great, but the transition was one of the most significant of my life. Gone was the […]
Continue ReadingOBSERVED: Monkey See, Monkey Do
My induction into the Daybreak Rotary Club had followed dignified protocol — mostly. President-elect Jim Chancey introduced me first. Then, District Governor George Robertson-Burnett had ceremoniously read the induction speech. A shiny pin was placed on my lapel. I was almost officially part of Rotary. But first, I had one more task. President George Banning […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Lady Raider’s composure on golf course impresses spectator
Dear Editor: It was 3 p.m. I was bored and went to watch the Plant City High School girls play a round of golf with the girls from Steinbrenner High. Not only was I cured of the boredom of a hot summer afternoon, but also I was treated to a golf clinic put on — if […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Is the Walden Lake Community Association out of bounds?
Dear Editor: Transparency, consistency and objectivity are minimum standards all dues-paying members deserve from their homeowners association. A lack of transparency, a lack of consistency and conflicts of interest in any public entity can lead to the appearances of impropriety and to an environment of mistrust. At a recent board meeting of the Walden Lake […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Mercer raises more questions than he answers
Dear Steve Mercer: Most people have empathy for those who run their own businesses, and I doubt anyone in this community has any personal animosity toward you or your partners. However, your recent letter in the Plant City Times & Observer raised more questions than it answered. You stated, “No one was interested in buying […]
Continue ReadingSHOW ME THE MAUNEY: Redman Cup recalls favorite rivalries
As Plant City and Durant prepare to square off in another chapter of the battle for the James L. Redman Cup this Friday, it got me thinking about some of my favorite football rivalries. We all know of Florida-Georgia, Michigan-Notre Dame and the rivalry of the Giants and Cowboys in the NFL, but here is […]
Continue ReadingLIFE LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: Commitment bracelet reminds of God’s love
Have you ever had something fall out of a box that took you back instantly in time? While still unpacking the numerous boxes from my final move from the military life to the civilian one here in Plant City, a small, tattered, worn-out bracelet hit the floor. Within a few seconds, I was standing in […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Walden Lake golf course trouble truly a shame
Dear Editor: Thanks for the letter about the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club in the Plant City Times & Observer. I am afraid I am one of the non-joining ones who are to blame not supporting the golf course/clubhouse. I’m one of those who is here part-time and away part-time. All this is too […]
Continue ReadingLETTER: Steppin’ Stone article an accurate portrayal
Dear Editor: Thank you for your recent article about Steppin’ Stone Farm. You took the information we gave you and wrote a really great article, without changing the content or taking things out of context. You treated the girls’ testimonies with respect and took the time to honestly show what our ministry is about. Three of […]
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