FOCUS Magazine

01/10/2026

01/01/2026

As we welcome a new year, our team is excited to celebrate 25 years in business! It is because of Plant City, our dedicated employees, our loyal readers, and our advertisers that FOCUS has reached this milestone. We can't wait to celebrate with you all at our 2026 Anniversary Party!

12/25/2025

From our team, we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Plant City! Our readers and advertisers make it possible for us to produce and publish a magazine every month; thank you for your continued support!

12/23/2025

This month's Jarrett Scott Ford Rising Star is Ethan Joyner.

At just 14 years old, Ethan Joyner is a standout eighth grader at Tomlin Middle School. Ethan has been named the final Rising Star of 2025, and for good reason. As a member of the Plant City Tennis League, he recently helped power his squad to a second-place finish in the Junior Team Tennis 18U division.
Ethan competed against high school-level players at the 2025 Fall State Championship in Orlando on December 13 and 14, where he placed 2nd.
Ethan’s relationship with the court began a decade ago. He picked up his first racket at age four and secured his first tournament victory by age ten. While his parents originally chose tennis as a starter sport, wondering if he was ready for contact sports, Ethan used that foundation to become a versatile athlete.
"Since then, I have played many different sports like flag football and soccer," Ethan explains. "Which has helped me develop my skills as a team player, but also [gave me] the confidence in myself to get the job done on and off the court."
Guiding him through this decade-long journey is Coach C. Shane Johnson of the Plant City Tennis Center. A fixture at the center since 2006, Johnson has been Ethan's mentor since day one.
"He has taught me everything I know about tennis so far," says Ethan. "He can sometimes be tough, but I know it's only to make us all better and create muscle memory."
That discipline translates to the classroom, where Ethan maintains straight As. Whether battling through illness during a tournament or practicing through blisters, his resilience is undeniable.
"I always want to do my very best at everything," he says. "My parents and Coach Shane have motivated me to always keep going."
Plant City, keep your eyes on this young talent. Ethan has his sights set on a scholarship to the University of Florida after high school. Go Gators!

12/04/2025

ICYMI: Plant City Main Street is featured on the front cover of the 2025 Holiday Issue! Inside, you'll find details on the nonprofit's holiday events and its plans for 2026. Be sure to enter the Front Cover Treasure Hunt before Dec. 11 (details on page 33). We've also partnered with local small businesses to present our annual Holiday Gift Guide- shop small, shop local this holiday season! Please pick up your copy on newsstands or read it online at https://focusplantcity.com/focus-plant-city-24-11/

11/29/2025

❄️ This holiday season, Plant City Entertainment is delighted to present an original play written and directed by Nick Knetzke! Come see Christmas Rush on Dec. 5 and 6! This heartwarming holiday tale will run for two nights ONLY! 🎄

🎁 Follow along as a last minute wish comes in on Christmas Eve. A few very special elves must travel the world looking for the perfect gift for a little girl.

🎟️ Tickets available on plantcityentertainment.com

11/27/2025

From all of us at FOCUS Magazine, we wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Our office will reopen on Monday, December 1.

11/26/2025

This month's Jarrett Scott Ford Rising Star is Hudson Garrett.

Hudson Garrett (10) is a rising star on the diamond, and he’s got the championship experience to prove it.
Hudson and his team, the Plant City Reapers 10U, recently blazed a trail through the competition at the GSA Veterans Day Classic on November 9. Their incredible run saw them battle their way to the Silver Bracket Championship.
While the Reapers ultimately fell just shy of the trophy, Hudson was thrilled to reach the final for the very first time.
This young athlete doesn't just play baseball; he makes electrifying plays.
“I also made a double play from second base in one game; that was really cool,” shared the 10-year-old.
A true utility player, Hudson has been mastering the game since he was just 4 years old, inspired by the fun his friends were having on the field. He rotates between second base, third base, center field, and pitcher, but his heart belongs to the middle infield and the mound.
Hudson’s biggest mentor is right on the field with him: his father and the Reapers' Head Coach, Nathan Garrett.
“My Dad is my biggest mentor; he has taught me so much about baseball, how to trust myself and my teammates, and how to be a team player,” Hudson explains.
The Garretts have mastered the balance of sports and school, ensuring the fourth-grader maintains his focus. Homework must be completed before practice.
When he’s not on the field, Hudson embraces the adventurous life:
He enjoys boating to the spring, trips to the mountains to see snow, and hitting the trails riding the family’s side-by-side. For downtime, he enjoys classic board games and running plays College Football 25 on his PlayStation.
Hudson’s sights are set high. His ultimate dream? To suit up for the Florida State University Seminoles baseball team. And he knows exactly what it takes to get there.
“I want to get better every time I step on the field, and the only way to do that is to work hard and focus during practices and against tough opponents.”

11/25/2025

11/14/2025

The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced the 2026 headline entertainment lineup headed to the Wish Farms Soundstage for . Tickets go on sale Thursday, December 11, at 8 a.m.

Introducing the lineup of headline entertainers headed to the Wish Farms Soundstage for 🤩 Tickets go on sale Thursday, December 11th at 8 a.m. EST. Remaining artists to be announced soon!

For ticket pricing and more info, visit https://flstrawberryfestival.com/2026-headline-entertainment-updated/

11/11/2025

Today, we salute the heroes who answered the call. Thank you to all American veterans for their sacrifice, courage and dedication to protecting our nation.