December 2021
Valrico Edition
VISIT THE SALUTE TO VETERANS EXHIBIT AT THE PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER The exhibition consists of eight 10-foot illustrated banners, over 30 photo enlargements and 800 photos of Plant City veterans. In addition, there are essays written by area school children and a slide show which runs continuously during business hours. Visitors can enjoy the wonderful exhibit and Among the many preserved photos you can see at the annual Salute to are even treated to cofVeterans exhibition at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is fee, water and cookies this photo of Craig Mills (left) with his tank crew on the day he received the at no charge. Distinguished Service Cross (May 13, 1945). The 2021-2022 SaThe Plant City Photo Archives and Hislute to Veterans is in tory Center has opened its 2021-2022 Sa- its 16th year. Over the years, it has been lute to Veterans exhibition. The exhibit is viewed by over 6,000 visitors. The Plant on view for the public to see now through City Photo Archives and History Center Monday, January 3, 2022. The Plant City invites veterans to bring in their photos Photo Archives and History Center is lo- for scanning and inclusion in the growing cated at 106 S. Evers St. in historic down- collection of veterans’ photographs. town Plant City. The Salute to Veterans exhibition can Veterans Day 2021 was celebrated be viewed at any time Monday through widely across the United States in small Thursday from 10:15 a.m.-7 p.m. Admistowns and big cities this year. Both citi- sion to the Plant City Photo Archives and zens and veterans saluted the thousands History Center is free of charge. It is a of men and women who served in the wonderful organization that has strived United States armed forces. to capture and preserve the history of “Veterans Day at the Plant City Photo Plant City and its residents. Archives and History Center begins our For more information on the 2021annual Salute to Veterans exhibition. We 2022 Salute to Veterans exhibition or extend our veterans exhibition over the on any other exhibits or questions about holidays because many families return to preserving history, please call the Plant visit in Plant City,” said Samantha Poiri- City Photo Archives and History Center at er, Plant City Photo Archives and History 754-1578. Center executive director.
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CITY OF PLANT CITY UNVEILS NEW MURAL AND DEDICATES NEW POCKET PARK On November about.” 16, a large crowd Unity in consisting of lothe Commucal residents, dignity Park is a nitaries and city pocket park. officials gathered It is named in Plant City to after Unity in unveil and cut the Communithe ribbon on the ty, which is a new Reflections nonprofit that of Plant City muraises funds ral and the Unity to help benefit in the Communithose in need ty Park. Both are On November 16, the new Reflections of Plant City Mural was in the commulocated at 102 S. unveiled and the new pocket park, Unity in the Community, nity, including was dedicated. Collins St. in hisother nonprofit toric downtown Plant City. organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, the The mural was painted by artist Keith Plant City Railroad Museum and more. The Goodson, who is a resident of Lake Alfred. organization is run completely with volunThe mural is located on a wall owned by the teers, and they have given back hundreds of Whistle Stop Cafe. The cost of the mural thousands of dollars raised throughout the was sponsored by Plant City’s newest large years. employer, City Furniture. Bill McDaniel, city manager for Plant City, Mayor Rick Lott said, “This mural, Reflec- said, “Unity in the Community does a tretions of Plant City, takes you back to your mendous amount of work in the community. childhood. A lot of memories are featured That is why the park was named for them.” on this mural.” Lott added, “City Furniture Each section of the Reflections of Plant is making its largest investment since its City mural reflects the important history of inception in Plant City with a large facility Plant City. These include, but are not limitthat features a 250,000-square-foot show ed to, Henry B. Plant, for whom the city is room.” named; the 1917 Fire Engine that has been Goodson said, “It is such an honor to be in continuous service since that year; the here.” He explained that he was a part of former McCrory’s Department Store; the the Lake Placid Mural Society, which helped Strawberry Festival; the Bing House; and transform Lake Placid and now brings mil- the four longest-serving mayors. lions of visitors to see its murals. “For me, Stop by and enjoy both the beautiful muI put my heart and soul into this project. I ral and the pocket park, Unity in the Comhad no problems, and I hope I have given munity, located at 102 S. Collins St. in Plant a visual synopsis of what Plant City is all City.
