05.30.24 PLCO

COMMISSION SETTING DIRECTION FOR PLANT CITY

DISCUSSION AND MOVING FORWARD

DAVE HOOVER STAFF WRITER

At 7:30 p.m. on May 28, Mayor Nate Kilton called the meeting to order. City Commissioners Jason Jones and William Dodson, City Attorney Kenneth Buchman, and City Manager Bill McDaniel were present. Vice Mayor Mary Mathis and Kerri Miller, City Clerk were unable to attend

due to illness. Jessie Navarro, Executive Assistant for the City Manager, functioned in the City Clerk role for the meeting.

Brian Stowe, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Plant City prayed for wisdom, direction, and clarity in their decisions for the City Commission to keep Plant City a good and safe place to live. The assembly then stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The City Commission offered two proclamations of recognition.

The first proclamation commended the Plant City High School cheerleaders, who won the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A Medium, Non-Tumbling Division Competitive Cheerleading State Championship on February 2. On the way to the championship, the cheerleaders won

the Western Conference and regional championships. This team also placed third in the national competition. The proclamation lauded the team’s talent, exceptional teamwork, countless hours of practice, and assured the students and coaches Plant City is proud of their spirit and dedication.

LINDA’S CRAB SHACK CLOSES

Customers Say They Are Disappointed

“We hate to close, but we can’t continue,” said Linda.

Oh no!

Linda’s Crab Shack, a Plant City landmark, satisfied its last customer on May 11. For 31 years Ramon and Linda Garza have served Plant City their family recipes for seafood from the location on the corner of Palmer and Reynolds Streets.

On the day the news came out, Walter Richards sat on the outside portico in front of Linda’s waiting for 20 people coming on a bus from Lighthouse Baptist Church in Seffner. “As far as Linda‘s Crab Shack closing, it needs to stay open,” Walter said. “We don’t have enough good seafood restaurants. They have an excellent deviled crab—one of the best around, and if they close it will be very difficult to find any place like this at a reasonable price.”

Ramon and Linda met in Florida farm fields. Later Ramon began working at a dairy in Brandon. As a testimony to his ambition, he became the manager, then he bought the dairy. Later, Ramon owned and operated an additional dairy in the area. During this time Ramon’s brothers ran a food business that had clients like Tropicana Field. When they sold the business, they did not sell the family recipe for deviled crab.

Ramon had been working seven days and seven nights for 26 years at the dairies, So, in 1993 he and Linda took this opportunity to close that chapter of their lives, and use this family recipe and others to make the featured dishes to open Linda’s Crab Shack. Fish tacos, shrimp, clams, and grouper entrees have filled out the menu. Based on customers’ enthusiasm about Linda’s Crab Shack, these recipes have always been great successes.

To serve their customers the deviled crab that everyone agrees is delicious, Ramon kept to a demanding schedule. At 4:30 every morning, he would bring the crab to the restaurant to prepare and hand roll each serving of deviled crab according to the recipe. He would also ready the restaurant for the day’s business. Their son, Steve, then came in to cook and run the restaurant.

“It’s very sad that it’s closing,” said Pam Pippin. “My sister and my husband are going to be very, very sad to see it go.”

“Us from Linda‘s crab shack would like to thank Plant City for supporting us for 31 years,” said Linda. “It has been a success for 31 years. We have known some of our customers for three generations. We have had a good ride, but we have decided to sell the property. We are ready to retire and want to do some traveling, some cruises. As some of you may know, my health has not been very good for three years, so we are going to enjoy what we have left. Thank you. I love you so much and bless

you all. We love you all—The

The first thing on Ramon and Linda’s retirement agenda is either a cruise or traveling to Key West. They still didn’t sell the family recipe for deviled crab.

Garza family, Ramon, Linda, Steve, Ray Junior, Vince, Brad, Diane, Jasmine, Abby and, of course, Doris Nipper. Thank you and God bless you all.”

DAVE HOOVER STAFF WRITER

Linda’s Crab Shack was busy at all times of the day.

The tables were usually full inside Linda’s.

The sign confirming the bad news for lovers of deviled crab.

TURNING EYESORES INTO ART

For the second year, Plant City Main Street, MAKE Plant City, and the City of Plant City have collaborated to have an artist paint a dumpster to help bring more art to downtown. The project is called the Trash Can-Vas Art Project. The organization that provided the grant is the Hillsborough Council of the Arts.

The artist is Victoria Michelle Creed. She grew up in Plant City and her family spent time together camping and enjoying nature. She used her childhood experiences with wildlife as the inspiration for this art. The dumpster-turned-art sits in the parking lot in front of the office of Plant City Main Street at 110 S. Collins Street.

HOPE PLANT CITY ASSISTS AREA

MIDDLE SCHOOL:

On May 22nd Rev. Dean Pfeffer, Sr. Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church, Plant City , had the honor on behalf of the members of Hope to present a check for $2,000.00 to Mr. Dennis Mayo Principal of Plant City's Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School for use in their student

uniform and assistance program. As Mayo explained to Pfeffer, school uniforms are required of all students, but being a Title 1 school, a number of families cannot afford the simple T-Shirt. These funds will be used to help those families in need receive the required uniforms for their students.

The funds presented to Marshall Middle School are a portion of the proceeds Hope received from its Annual Turkey Supper in November and their participation in the Florida Strawberry Festival, where the congregation sells hot boiled peanuts. Funds were distributed to the FloridaGeorgia District, Marshall Middle School, United Food Bank of Plant City, Meals on Wheels, and other organizations in the Plant City community. It has been Hope's tradition to use the money raised at these events to the benefit of the community and the church at large.

MEMORIAL DAY

David Ward, former U.S. Marine, carried a flag on a ruck march to honor women and men who died while serving in the military. “I am doing this so people will remember what today is about,” he said.

David’s march took him 10 miles, including to the Veterans’ Monument at Courier Field and the commemoration held there on May 27.

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY CHORALE

The Plant City Community Chorale will present A Nation’s Strength on Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Limona Village Chapel, 408 Limona Road in Brandon. The Choral will offer patriotic music, songs of hope, and will debut music from local composers. Tickets are $15.

Hillsborough County Public Library

Cooperative (HCPLC) will hold its summer reading program June 1 – July 31.

Registration for the program opened May 20. Participants can track reading starting June 1. Along the way, children and adults can earn digital badges for reading and for participating in fun summer activities.

Kids ages 1 to 12 – submit each hour read for a total of 24 hours.

Teens (ages 13 – 18) – submit each hour read for a total of 24 hours.

Adults (ages 18+) – Submit each book read for a total of 4 books.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 GRADUATES

STARR CREATIONS

A FAMOUS COMPANY IS RIGHT HERE IN PLANT CITY

Who knew? Who knew a Plant City business has appeared on Discovery Channel’s Diesel Brothers and Car Masters: Rust to Riches on Netflix? Who knew a Plant City company creates bodies for Monster Jam trucks, has worked with Richard Petty, and is developing a better aerodynamic body for the fastest stick shift car in the world?

In a nondescript building in a nondescript location, Starr Creations has been rocking fiberglass fabrication for 10 years. “We create things from nothing,” said co-owner Aaron Starr. “We create the 3-D body monster trucks that you see in Monster Jam, and also for some independent drivers.”

Why is Starr Creations in Plant City? Brothers Aaron and Jesse Starr were born and raised here. They both graduated from Plant City High School—Jesse in 1996 and Aaron in 1999.

Starr Creations began when Aaron’s longtime friend and owner of U.S. body in Lakeland, Eric Long, made a deal with Monster Jam to build a truck body. “He needed somebody to carve the truck. I’m an artist and sculptor, so he called me up and asked if I would carve it. I didn’t think it was going to actually happen, but it did.” That first truck is named El Diablo. Aaron hand carved the body out

of Styrofoam in 2013, and the company snowballed from there.

U.S. Body in Lakeland is another arm of the company. It is one of the largest fiberglass car parts suppliers in the country—everything from full bodies to hoods, and other fiberglass components that are hard to find. U.S. Body handles the science of production, while Starr Creative supplies the art.

“It’s based on computer models,” Aaron adds. “My brother, Jesse Starr, does all of our computer design. “He works hand-in-hand with Monster Jam, independent drivers, and other customers to develop the 3-D models.”

“Sometimes I forget how awesome all this is,” Jesse said. “We get to design and build wild creations that people see all around the world.”

Starr Creations initially designs a body out of Styrofoam, then produces a mold which it uses to make a fiberglass body. The tools of Starr Creations are automated CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines, 3-dimensional (3-D) printers 3-D scanners, plastic vacuum forming tables, and a woodshop. “I like to say we just make stuff look good,” Aaron said. “It’s almost like an art. Monster truck chassis all look pretty much the same. Take

a body off a monster truck, it’s just a boxy chassis. So, the bodies are the way we differentiate those trucks. We make them a character. My brother makes them what they are and we create the bodies. It’s a group effort.”

Most of the monster trucks Starr Creations has built bodies for are turned into toys by Spin Master and sold in U.S stores like Walmart and other retailers worldwide. Starr Creations also sponsors monster trucks and drivers, and as a reflection of that, some of the toys display the company logo on the hood. Among these sponsorships is one with Dennis Anderson. “....an absolute legend in the industry,” Aaron opined. “He created Grave Digger.” For 40 years, Grave Digger has been one of the most famous monster trucks.

Starr Creations just finished its 30th monster truck. In addition to the initial body, the company will continue to use the molds it produces to manufacture additional parts depending on how popular the truck is and for how long.

Starr Creations also focuses on automotive one-offs, like for the performance racing industry show. “We help in designing and building components for bodies all the way down to something like a special bumper,” Aaron said.

Famous YouTuber in Bradenton,

Cleetus McFarland, currently has the fastest stick shift car in the world. “The aerodynamics are killing it,” Aaron said. So, MacFarland hired Starr Creations to design a body frame with improved aerodynamics.

When asked what about his work gives him satisfaction, Aaron responded, “I’m an artist. I get to create different things every day. It’s always different and never boring. And it is gratifying to see our work on a big stage like Monster Jam.”

Though the main business of Starr Creations is fabricating bodies for the automotive industry, they will make anything out of fiberglass. The company also takes on miscellaneous customers that need composite parts like door panels, boat parts, water tanks for the lawn spraying industry, roofs for campers, and parade floats. “We’re working with a guy in Florida who is on HGTV,” said Aaron. “He makes massive lawn sculptures that look like plants and other things. We’re helping him with his sculptures. We will build anything—that’s our deal. We’re not afraid to build different stuff.”

Starr Creations has a long portfolio of finished products under its belt, “Now we’re just shooting for the moon and keeping it going,” Aaron concluded.

DAVE HOOVER STAFF WRITER

Fans admiring Starr Creations Velociraptor at a Monster Truck Jam. Starr Creations Xtermingator in action at a Monster Truck Jam.

In a whole different look, Starr Creations created the body for King Sling.

Some of the Starr Creations team in front of one of the monster truck bodies they created.

Aaron Starr with the foam design for a new aerodynamic body for the fastest stick shift car in the world.

PLANT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

The second proclamation, signed by Mayor Nate Kilton, declared May 2024 as Water Safety Month in the City of Plant City. The proclamation reads, in part, “Whereas engaging in swimming and other aquatic-related activities supports the physical and mental health of children and adults alike; and water safety plays an essential role in preventing drownings and recreational water related injuries; advocating water safety education is a collaborative effort among families, neighbors, community groups, first responders, elected officials, businesses and schools, and local organizations; the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County sponsors the Children’s Board Mobile Swim Program, which brings swimming lessons and water safety education to neighborhood pools, and the Children’s Board supports Safe Kids Greater Tampa, which educates children and parents to prevent water related injuries and drowning; providing access to water-safety programs to families and individuals of all ages, whether owners of private pools and spas, users of public swimming facilities, or visitors to water parks, beaches, or lakes, is essential to the safety of children in our community.” The proclamation calls upon citizens, businesses, and organizations to make water safety a top priority and to support activities that advocate for an optimal environment and safe, healthy families and communities. This is an important initiative because according to the CDC the leading cause of death for children ages one to four is drowning.

During Public Comments, one Plant City Resident brought to the attention of the Commission some cemetery headstones are in some disrepair and one is missing. The commission thanked the citizen for pointing this out. During the meeting the City Manager sent an inquiry to Plant City staff and found that someone vandalized the cemetery recently—the damage is in the process of being cleaned up and the headstone was removed for repair.

The meeting then proceeded to regular business. These are routine consent items. One resolution was offered:

„ 24-242 Accepting easement from Redline Property Group, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company to maintain meters and backflow preventer assemblies.

In the Commission meetings, the next agenda item is reports of officers, boards, and committees:

CITY MANAGER REPORT RESOLUTIONS:

„ 24-113 authorizes the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. LPA0038 with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

„ 24-239 Authorizes execution of a contract with Hazen and Sawyer, Inc. for EWO No. 2 for design of the Potable Reuse Project.

„ 24-187 Approves an amendment to the budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

„ 24-186 Approves an amendment to the CIP budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 and the next four years.

„ 24-255 Authorizes the City Manager to execute a construction work order with Killebrew, Inc. for Utility Adjustment for Florida Department of Transportation Project FPID437789-1-52-01.

„ 24-254 Authorizes the City Manager to purchase two pickup trucks for the Building Department under the Florida Sheriff’s Association Bid FSA23-VEL31.0.

„ 24-236 Approves an amendment to the budget for fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

Resolutions 24-113 and 24-239 address projects for McIntosh Preserve. The aim of the projects are to improve water supply for the growing population of Plant City. Similar projects are underway in a handful of other locations in Florida, and Plant City is leading the way.

All resolutions passed 3-0.

A late item added to agenda was an update on the new City of Plant City billing portal. For autopay, Plant Citians will need to set up a new account with a new account number. When people log on to pay, a new page will appear with instructions.

An additional item added to the agenda updated the City Commission on a depression that appeared on one lane of Airport Road. Inspectors deemed the depression to be a sinkhole. The City Manager exercised emergency authority to resolve the problem. Steps are being taken to repair the sinkhole.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

The public attending can ask questions, and give opinions during these public hearings.

„ 24-251 Legislative public hearing on a resolution for an extension of time to commence alcoholic beverage sales at 103 North Palmer Street.

„ 24-253 Legislative public hearing on an ordinance for a text amendment to Division 4, Article VII, Chapter 102, for Sidewalk Cafes. (PB-2024-21).

„ 24-259 Legislative public hearing on an ordinance amending Section 30-63(b) of Plant City Code revising the Notice of Public Nuisance.

„ 24-245 Legislative public hearing on an ordinance amending Article IV of Chapter 66, Plant City Code regarding business taxes. This ordinance will save money for some Plant City small businesses.

„ 24-243 Legislative public hearing on a resolution approving the adoption of the inventory list of real property appropriate for affordable housing.

„ 24-252 Quasi-judicial public hearing on an ordinance to rezone .27± acres located at 713 West Warren Street from R-1 Single Family dwelling district to R-2 Multiplefamily dwelling district. (PB-2024-08). This proposal drew the owners of the property and several people from the neighborhood. In respectful discussion and debate citizens voiced their opinions both pro and con. Mayor Nate Kilton explained to the assembly the function of a Quasi-Judicial hearing is for the Commissioners to act as judge apart from their personal opinions. The City Commissioners asked further questions and made observations.

The public hearings all passed 3-0.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Frank Trunzo started a business buying and reselling antiques. When the antique business sagged, business became overstocked. A friend of Frank’s proposed a strategy for them to work together to fill an old hotel in Saxonburg, PA with antiques and hold antique auctions. So, they did. They hired an auctioneer named Ralph. “Prior to an auction I was complaining because we were paying the auctioneer a lot of money,” Frank said. He told his friend and his friend’s wife, “I could probably do this myself.” His friend’s wife decided to have a bit of fun at Frank’s expense. To see Frank eat his words, she challenged Ralph, the auctioneer, by telling him Frank said he could do the auctioneering. The day of the auction, around lunchtime Ralph the auctioneer told the crowd, “I’m going to go take a lunch break and I’m going to hand it over to Frank Trunzo.” And Ralph gave the microphone to Frank and walked away. “Very poorly I auctioned off some of my stuff,” Frank said. “But after the auction was over, Ralph actually came to me and said, ‘Hey Frank, you want to be my apprentice?’ I said yeah I can do that. That sounds interesting.” Several people at the auction told Ralph and Frank that Frank was going to be a good auctioneer. “Sure enough, after a year or so, I started to get my wings and became a decent auctioneer,” Frank said. Beyond that he gained a reputation as a young, talented auctioneer.

One thing led to another and he became owner and operator of an auction gallery near Pittsburgh PA, and later another one to which he added heavy equipment auctions.

In line with his new profession, Frank began entering National Auctioneers Association contests. While conducting estate and antique auctions, Frank cross trained as an auto auctioneer, which taught him to call auctions more quickly. “Every auctioneer will tell you if want to become a good auctioneer, you need to make time for it,” Frank said. “I was conducting a lot of auctions, so I was getting a lot of practice.”

Frank continued to progress as an auctioneer and then he began winning contests. Some judges and other people complimented Frank for his pleasant voice and said they could listen to him conduct auctions for hours.

Frank and his wife, Wenda Trunzo decided they wanted to get out of northern weather, and considered Florida as a possibility. An auctioneer from Crystal River offered Frank the opportunity to interview in Florida for a job on his staff, and enticed Frank by inviting him to compete in Florida’s state championship.

The state contests are blends of the different types of auctioneers such as auto, livestock, and general, so a contestant is competing against others across all types of the auction business. On the day of the contest, several of the auctioneers came to Frank saying things like, “You’re going to win this contest and you don’t even live in the state. You’d

better move to Florida.” Frank’s response, “Well funny you should say that, I am going to move to Florida.”

Frank won, and this success allowed him to take a job with a different Florida auction company. Frank says it was divine providence that moved them to Plant City. They were drawn like he was being tugged here. Within a short window of time the Trunzos found a house in Plant City that was a good fit for their family and they relocated.

“The question people ask is what it takes to be a good auctioneer,” Frank said. “The three most important things are clarity, clarity, clarity—and also a nice rhythm in that keeps people tuned in.” Frank must have these things right, because he has won win Florida State champion twice, Georgia State champion twice, Pennsylvania State champion, World Champion second place, and World Champion.

In 2008 the recession again depressed the auction business. From his view of things in Florida, Frank found a company trying a new thing, luxury auctions. “That’s what we wanted to do—conduct those highbrow auctions,” Frank said. “The way it turned out, we got traction in some really special locations in Saint Augustine; we got traction in Jackson Hole; traction in Hawaii; and it suddenly exposed itself that the market was available. We found very quickly that it’s about beautiful destinations.” Among the properties Frank has auctioned are Cher’s house in Hawaii and Kurt Warner’s house in Arizona.

To date, Frank has auctioned over $5 billion in luxury properties. Frank has conducted auctions around the world. He has taken the luxury real estate podium for Sotheby’s—traditionally the highest end private seller of fine art and jewelry. “We conducted a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong which was the first ever designated luxury real estate auction,” Frank said. “It took them 287 years before they held their first designated luxury real estate auction, and I’m privileged to be the auctioneer that conducted that.” An upcoming auction Frank is conducting will be the first designated luxury real estate auction to ever be held at the original Sotheby’s in London.

“I think the top privilege is knowing that the winning bidders lives have just been changed for the better when they buy these incredible, beautiful properties,” Frank said. “I had a man throw his arms around me, hug me with tears in his eyes and tell me how wonderful he feels that he was able to obtain a property where

he could raise his son.”

I don’t take myself too seriously,” he added. “But I do know that I’ve been incredibly blessed.” Frank and Wenda also own and operate the coffee shop Krazy Kup, and the restaurant Stage 201 in downtown Plant City. However, these establishments have set pricing, so you won’t have the chance to hear Frank’s auctioneer chant and to bid on your coffee or pizza.

Two of Frank’s auctioneering championship rings, and a trophy.

Frank at his office at Stage 201.

SPORTS

Dax Drawdy

Dax, 12, attends Seffner Christian Academy and plays 1st base, 3rd base, and pitches for the Tampa Bay Bats, a 12U AAA Travel Team.

Dax and his team are heading to Pigeon Forge June 2nd through 7th for the Cal Ripken Smoky Mountain Tournament.

How long have you been playing baseball?

Since I was 4 years old.

What’s going through your mind during an at bat?

Stay focused and putting the bat on the ball consistently.

What’s your favorite career highlight?

Probably when I hit a walk off home run to send my team into the championship.

If you're not playing sports, what are you doing in your free time?

I’m always practicing. I go to practice four days out of the week, pitching practice, regular team practice, and hitting practice. I also love to bass fish and hang out with my family.

Who’s your favorite player in the MLB and why?

Mike Trout. He’s always consistent and always produces for his team. Not only can he hit really well, but he has also been awarded Golden Gloves for his fielding.

DYLAN TICE SPORTS WRITER

What’s your favorite pre-game food or snack before a game?

I have always been known for eating any type of food. I don’t really have a favorite pre-game snack, but I would probably go with beef jerky, a banana, and maybe some cashews.

Are there any other sports you play besides baseball?

I have played flag football but not really as serious as baseball.

What’s something in baseball that you want to continue improving in?

I would definitely have to go with fielding, I have kind of struggled with my fielding aspect.

If you could change the color of your team jerseys for a game, what colors would you choose? Black and Red or Black and Pink (breast cancer awareness)

What are your favorite songs to get you hyped before a game? Right now I really like Metallica and Beastie Boys for my walk-up songs.

Drawdy’s Stats for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024:

Average .380 Hits

Photo courtesy of Layla Drawdy

Photo courtesy of Plant City Little League

We asked Plant City: Send us your last day of school photos.

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

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2024. Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, MAY 31

LAST FRIDAY: ANIME

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

McCall Park

100 North Collins Street

Historic Downtown Plant City, Florida

FREE ADMISSION

Get ready to dive into an epic Anime-themed evening at this month’s Last Friday event! Are you brave enough to take on the extreme gyrosphere ride? Or perhaps you’re up for the challenge of our thrilling scavenger hunt? The Main Street Kids zone has something for kids of all ages. Explore the expanded exhibitor market for unique finds and treasures. And of course, let’s not overlook the mouthwatering array of delicious food that awaits you throughout the night! Enjoy LIVE music performances in the

and here’s the best part – costumes are encouraged! So come dressed as your favorite Anime character.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

GracePoint Church

1107 Charlie Griffin Rd

Join other parents who are estranged from their adult children. PEAK (Parents of Estranged Adult Kids) group provides a safe place to listen, share and support others going through the hurt of adult family abandonment. Meetings will include group discussions, self-care and positive influenced activities to help cope with the situation. PEAK is not appropriate for abusive relationships or mental illness. Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www. peaksupportgroup.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

“A NATION’S STRENGTH” CHORAL CONCERT

7:30 pm - 9:00 p.m.

Limona Village Chapel UMC

408 Limona Road, Brandon Plant City Community Chorale eagerly announces its 2024 Summer/Patriotic Concert:

“A NATION’S STRENGTH”.

The program showcases songs highlighting ideas and occupations which have

contributed to the advancement, development, and growth of our sweeping country. The Chorale’s Artistic Director, Coleman Flentge, will direct several well-loved annual pieces such as: Armed ForcesThe Pride of America!, a medley of the anthems of each Armed Forces service branch; Battle Hymn Of The Republic, a Civil War era piece, and My Country ‘Tis Of Thee--first performed on July 4, 1831. Among the Chorale’s new songs are In Meeting We Are Blessed which draws its inspiration from the John Donne poem about the transformative idea of peace; Bright Morning Stars a traditional Appalachian spiritual first performed in 1937, and Down in a Coalmine which is a three-song medley of the American coal mining regions.

MONDAY, JUNE 10

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

7:30 p.m.

City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds Street

Residents are invited and encouraged to participate in public City meetings to ensure that their voice is heard and they are up-to-date on the things happening in the community. Residents can make public comments during meetings and attend meetings for the City Commission, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Historic Resources Board and more. Thursday, June 13

THURSDAY, JULY 4

‘CATCH THE SPIRIT & CELEBRATE AMERICA’ 4TH OF JULY FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL

1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road

The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is hosting a July 4th festival with 'Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America'. Admission is free. ($10 parking fee per vehicle.)

The excitement begins at 1:00 pm for a day filled with fantastic food, fun activities, including a Pet Parade & Costume Contest, Little Mister and Miss Firecracker competition, and live entertainment, all culminating in a breathtaking patriotic drone show at 9:00 p.m. For more information or contest applications visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com.

pavilion in McCall Park from the talented Jeff Jarrett

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

SUNRISE/SUNSET

THURSDAY, MAY 30

High: 94

Low: 76

Chance of rain: 9%

FRIDAY, MAY 31

High: 92

Low: 72 Chance of rain: 9%

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

High: 93 Low: 64

Chance of rain: 16%

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

High: 92

Low: 70 Chance of rain: 4%

MONDAY, JUNE 3

WATER DAMAGE ?

Kathy Flemister took this photo of a Crepe Myrtle in full bloom.