Plant City Observer

07/11/2025

Burney Elementary Earns First ‘B’ Grade in More than a Decade
By Michelle Caceres | Staff Writer

The milestone was the result of teamwork, consistency and commitment to student achievement.

For the first time in more than 10 years, Burney Elementary School has earned a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education, a major milestone that school leaders say is the result of teamwork, consistency, and a relentless commitment to student growth.

Burney’s improved performance reflects steady progress over several years, said Principal Brooke Quinlan. “We’ve been building toward this for a long time.”

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Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinFor the first time in more than 10 years, Burney Elementary School has earned a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education, a major milestone that school leaders say is the result of teamwork, consistency, and a relentless commitment to ...

07/11/2025

STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL GETS AN “A”
By Dave Hoover | Staff Writer

School brings home excellent report card to proud community!

For the 2024–2025 academic year, Strawberry Crest High School (SCHS) earned the highest grade possible from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). For the first time since 2019, the high school brought home an “A” on its report card. Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) released a statement that credited the achievement to the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.


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Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinFor the 2024–2025 academic year, Strawberry Crest High School (SCHS) earned the highest grade possible from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE). For the first time since 2019, the high school brought home an “A” on its report card. Hill...

07/11/2025

Congratulations Athlete of the Week Austin Kroslak
Thank you PotBelly Sandwich Works for sponsoring Athlete of the Week
By Dylan Tice | Sports Writer
Photo By Ripkin Experience

Austin is a 12-year-old who attends Seffner Christian Academy and plays baseball for the FBH Miracles.

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Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinAustin Kroslak Photo By Ripkin Experience Austin is a 12-year-old who attends Seffner Christian Academy and plays baseball for the FBH Miracles.  How long have you been playing baseball?  I’ve been playing since t-ball.  What position do you p...

07/10/2025

Enjoy this week's paper. The Plant City Observer's newspaper is an exact replica of the printed edition to be enjoyed on any electronic tablet or desktop.

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07/09/2025

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Timber Ridge by Taylor Morrison! First 50 guests receive a $10 Chick-Fil-A gift card.
Taylor Morrison

07/09/2025

07/08/2025

What's a conspiracy theory you actually believe?

07/08/2025

Beginning July 7, a lane on W. Reynolds Street will be closed between Acacia Drive and N. Alexander Street. The estimated date the lane closure will end is August 14. Detours will take drivers only a couple of blocks off of W. Reynolds.

Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinBeginning July 7, a lane on W. Reynolds Street will be closed between Acacia Drive and N. Alexander Street. The estimated date the lane closure will end is August 14. Detours will take drivers only a couple of blocks off of W. Reynolds. The Florida....

07/08/2025

Plant City Professional Set to Represent Florida on National Pageant Stage
By Michelle Caceres | Staff Writer

Staffmark market manager Hayley Franklin will represent Florida at the Miss for America pageant in Las Vegas.

A Plant City professional with deep roots in pageantry is preparing to take the national stage next month, representing the Sunshine State at the Miss for America national competition in Las Vegas.

With nationals just weeks away, she’s preparing to compete in fitness/swim, evening gown, interview, state wear (which will be a nod to Walt Disney World) and personal introduction.

“It’ll be a week and a half of rehearsals, blisters, glitter, heels, maybe some tears and lifelong memories,” she said with a smile. “I’m so excited to represent Florida and give it everything I’ve got.”

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Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinA Plant City professional with deep roots in pageantry is preparing to take the national stage next month, representing the Sunshine State at the Miss for America national competition in Las Vegas. The pageant, set to begin Aug. 24, will mark the ne...

07/07/2025

REYNOLDS STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO REPAIR SEWER MAIN 🛣️
By Dave Hoover | Staff Writer

Six Month Project Is Slated To Begin By October.

“Closing down Reynolds Street at Palmer is going to be very impactful,” McDaniel said. “People need to be aware of that, be prepared for it, and understand it is going to be an extended period of time that goes on.”

“This is not an elective procedure,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “This is an absolute necessity. We have a collapsed sewer system there at the railroad tracks, and it is a situation that must be addressed. There is no option. In fact, what we have been doing is exploring options. We were looking at rerouting and different strategies, but they won’t work, we are back to deep trenching cuts, and jack and bore under the railroad tracks to restore the sewer system—push the pipe through the earth with hydraulic machinery. You don’t have to excavate it.”

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Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinDuring the period for public comments at the May 27 city commission meeting, resident Allen Sandor aired his safety and financial concerns about East Reynolds Street, between Palmer Street and the railroad tracks. According to Sandor, the city deplo...

07/07/2025

ONE CHURCH ONE CHILD BREAKS GROUND
By Dave Hoover | Staff Writer

Wiseman House Will Aid Children AgingOut Of Foster Care.

The house will “….help these children find a home and teach them skills so they aren’t homeless and roaming the street,” Dr. Arie Sailor, One Church One Child Executive Director, and the event emcee, commented. “This project represents a significant step forward for One Church One Child, and the region, to provide additional housing and guidance for older youth who are in extended foster care or aging out of the system, to support them working toward self-sufficiency for a brighter future and hope.”

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Share This Post Facebook Pinterest Twitter LinkedinOn June 26, a group of 50 came out to celebrate the groundbreaking of a facility to house children who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Among those who turned over dirt were the community director for the Florida Department of Childr...

07/06/2025