Plant City Observer
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VOLUME 6, NO. 76
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019
EVERS STREET FACES TRANSFORMATION
Following an analysis of the new downtown vision plan, the city agreed to explore two big changes to Evers Street. SEE PAGE 5
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
When the City of Plant City partnered with Main Street Plant City to craft a vision of the future for downtown, it already had a general idea of what changes it hoped to see come to life. Though the general “whats” have become practically common knowledge
downtown, the minor changes needed to make true revitalization a reality were unclear. That’s where Community Design Solutions, a consultant group based out of South Carolina, comes in. The group was hired to create a downtown vision plan that would create simple steps that if taken could directly lead to change in the community.
DASHING THROUGH DOWNTOWN
The Plant City Running Club held its second annual Christmas Light Run on Dec. 17.
BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
As dark clouds rolled in toward Plant City, a group of runners brightened up McCall Park. Donned in Christmas light necklaces, light-up hats, glow sticks, red and green tutus and elf socks, the merry group socialized with friends and introduced themselves to the new faces in the growing crowd. Some of the families gathered took photos in front of the tree and with the light displays while they waited for the final runners to arrive. Jillian Wilder, a member of the Plant City Running Club, passed around the map of the route for the annual Christmas Light Run and explained after the run everyone would meet at Krazy Kup for a hot chocolate, coffee or even ice cream. It’s a new tradition, but one the club expects will continue for years to come. “This is the second year we’ve held the run,” Wilder said. “Last
year it was a 5K, so this year we decided to cut it back. The route is 1.5 miles and it goes through the heart of downtown so that our runners or walkers can have the opportunity to really take in all of the great decorations the city has put up. If the runners want to, they can loop it twice and do a 5K, but it’s really up to whatever the individual runner wants.” Group member Kathleen Hall said one of her favorite displays downtown has always been the snowflakes and angels at the back half of McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. She also loves the Lights of Love tree in the heart of the park that is sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital. Others gathered pointed out their favorites as well and planned the perfect spot for photos. Several of the attendees for the run aren’t Plant City natives. In fact there are several members of the club in general that come in from Lakeland, Brandon and Kathleen for the weekly runs.
SEE PAGE 11