COMMUNITY ARTS.........................PGS

VISIT THE SALUTE TO VETERANS EXHIBIT AT THE PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER

The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center has opened its 2021-2022 Salute to Veterans exhibition. The exhibit is on view for the public to see now through Monday, January 3, 2022. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is located at 106 S. Evers St. in historic downtown Plant City.

Veterans Day 2021 was celebrated widely across the United States in small towns and big cities this year. Both citizens and veterans saluted the thousands of men and women who served in the United States armed forces.

“Veterans Day at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center begins our annual Salute to Veterans exhibition. We extend our veterans exhibition over the holidays because many families return to visit in Plant City,” said Samantha Poirier, Plant City Photo Archives and History Center executive director.

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 this photo of Craig Mills (left) with his tank crew on the day he received the Distinguished Service Cross (May 13, 1945). fee, water and cookies at no charge. The 2021-2022 Salute to Veterans is in its 16th year. Over the years, it has been viewed by over 6,000 visitors. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center invites veterans to bring in their photos for scanning and inclusion in the growing collection of veterans’ photographs. The Salute to Veterans exhibition can be viewed at any time Monday through Thursday from 10:15 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission to the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is free of charge. It is a wonderful organization that has strived to capture and preserve the history of Plant City and its residents. For more information on the 20212022 Salute to Veterans exhibition or on any other exhibits or questions about preserving history, please call the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center at 754-1578.

CITY OF PLANT CITY UNVEILS NEW MURAL AND DEDICATES NEW POCKET PARK

On November 16, a large crowd consisting of local residents, dignitaries and city ofcials gathered in Plant City to unveil and cut the ribbon on the new Reflections of Plant City mural and the Unity in the Community Park. Both are located at 102 S. Collins St. in historic downtown Plant City.

The mural was painted by artist Keith Goodson, who is a resident of Lake Alfred. The mural is located on a wall owned by the Whistle Stop Cafe. The cost of the mural was sponsored by Plant City’s newest large employer, City Furniture.

Mayor Rick Lott said, “This mural, Reflections of Plant City, takes you back to your childhood. A lot of memories are featured on this mural.” Lott added, “City Furniture is making its largest investment since its inception in Plant City with a large facility that features a 250,000-square-foot show room.”

Goodson said, “It is such an honor to be here.” He explained that he was a part of the Lake Placid Mural Society, which helped transform Lake Placid and now brings millions of visitors to see its murals. “For me, I put my heart and soul into this project. I had no problems, and I hope I have given a visual synopsis of what Plant City is all

about.” Unity in the Community Park is a pocket park. It is named after Unity in the Community, which is a nonprofit that raises funds to help benefit those in need On November 16, the new Refections of Plant City Mural was in the commuunveiled and the new pocket park, Unity in the Community, nity, including was dedicated. other nonprofit organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, the Plant City Railroad Museum and more. The organization is run completely with volunteers, and they have given back hundreds of thousands of dollars raised throughout the years. Bill McDaniel, city manager for Plant City, said, “Unity in the Community does a tremendous amount of work in the community. That is why the park was named for them.” Each section of the Reflections of Plant City mural reflects the important history of Plant City. These include, but are not limited to, Henry B. Plant, for whom the city is named; the 1917 Fire Engine that has been in continuous service since that year; the former McCrory’s Department Store; the Strawberry Festival; the Bing House; and the four longest-serving mayors. Stop by and enjoy both the beautiful mural and the pocket park, Unity in the Community, located at 102 S. Collins St. in Plant City.