Plant City Observer
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VOLUME 6, NO. 124
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FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2020
VARREA PUBLIC HEARING AROUND THE CORNER City commissioners are BREANNE WILLIAMS
holding a public hearing on modifications to the Varrea Development District next week.
STAFF WRITER
Next week’s commission meeting is sure to draw a crowd as commissioners will finally hear from the Varrea Planned Development District about conceptual modifications. Varrea, which was originally approved by the City Commission in 2007 as the Cone Farms Community Unit District, was subsequently modified in 2011 and 2015. Much like North Park Isle, it is years in the making and the community has often wondered if it would ever be completed.
It appears the time is close at hand. The plan is for Varrea to become a massive community on the other side of I-4 near the southwest corner of Charlie Taylor and East Knights Griffin roads. Over the years, commissioners have heard complaints from neighboring residents of flooding issues, traffic concerns and the threat to wildlife by the influx of motor vehicles on the rural backroads.
SEE PAGE 5
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Oh, what a night. The annual Plant City Christmas Parade, held Dec. 4, was a massive hit as the community tuned in — both in person and via social media — to get their holiday fix. This year’s event was shorter than most have seen in years, but stuck to its traditional route along Collins and Reynolds streets. Floats, ROTC units, churches, businesses and organizations all led a merry march through downtown to shepherd in Santa’s return.
Guest judges Wendy Whitt, Rob Shaw, Taylor Jenkins and C.J. Major reviewed each entry and picked the top three winners, who will receive their prizes later this week in a special ceremony. This year’s event had a twist that turned out to be a major hit. The City of Plant City live-streamed the entire parade with Mayor Rick Lott and City Manager Bill McDaniel emceeing. The duo also interviewed influential people involved in the parade throughout the evening, adding some depth and a behind the scenes look at the experience.
SEE PAGE 6
Christmas lights, festive floats, holiday music and an appearance of Santa Claus himself made Friday’s Christmas Parade one to remember for years to come.