From The Publisher
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS
As Christmas music begins to fill stores and restaurants, the opening line to Silver Bells comes to mind:
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks. Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There’s a feeling of Christmas
I hope to see the Plant City sidewalks busy as people begin their Christmas shopping. Please add shopping at locally owned businesses to your holiday to-do list. We’ve made it easy with our annual Holiday Gift Guide inside this issue. There is something for everyone in our guide, from produce baskets to fine jewelry. When you shop small this holiday season, your money will support the local economy, create jobs, and support local prosperity. Those small business owners, in turn, support charitable organizations and community initiatives, creating a ripple effect that enriches the entire city.
Historic Plant City Main Street is making shopping local convenient by hosting several holiday shopping events downtown, including one with complimentary gift wrapping. Be sure to check out this month’s cover story for more details on those exciting holiday events happening in historic downtown over the next several weeks.
In the lead-up to Christmas, our community is brimming with exciting ways you and your family can embrace the spirit of the season. It will be great to see the city streets lined with people at the Plant City Christmas Parade, and be sure to get your tickets for the Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village at the Hillsborough County Fair in Dover.
All of us at FOCUS Magazine wish you a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays. We are looking forward to an exciting 2026.
With gratitude and hope,
Mike Floyd
5 Holiday Adventures in Plant City
By Cierra Craft
From light shows to parades, these small-town traditions invite you and your family to experience holiday magic in Plant City and beyond.
Nov. 27 to Dec. 28: Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
Held at the Hillsborough County Fair in Dover, Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village features a drive-thru light display of more than 1.5 million lights, and Santa’s Village features holiday-themed rides, treats, and activities. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www. hillsboroughcountyfair.com/events/2025/2025-festival-of-lights
Nov. 28 to Dec. 24: Christmas Lane
A cherished tradition that began in 1984 on Lane Wetherington’s Dover front lawn has grown exponentially into one of Central Florida’s favorite holiday events. Held at the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Charlie Grimes Agricultural Center, Christmas Lane features larger-than-life Christmas displays drawing more than 180,000 watts of power. The Great Light Maze, rides, live entertainment, and concessions are open nightly. Visit christmaslane.com for more information and ticket details.
Dec. 4: Lights of Love Tree Lighting
Experience the magic of Christmas in downtown Plant City at the 27th annual Lights of Love Christmas Tree lighting in McCall Park. Plant City First Baptist Church’s Christmas Band will perform carols, and at 6:30 p.m., countdown with Santa Claus and City of Plant City Mayor Nate Kilton as the downtown Christmas tree is lit. Take photos with Santa for a nominal fee and enjoy holiday treats. All funds raised will support the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation, benefiting the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which opened on October 1, 2025.
Dec. 5: Plant City Christmas Parade
For more than 60 years, Plant Citians have gathered on the first Friday of December for the annual Plant City Christmas Parade. Enjoy live music, dancers, baton twirlers, school marching bands, antique cars, local businesses, city departments, and of course, Santa Claus. This year, the parade will start at Collins and Ball streets, march north on Collins Street, and turn left onto Reynolds Street, then onto Wheeler Street. The parade will then turn left on Wheeler and end at the Wheeler/Drane street intersection.
Dec. 5 & 6, Dec. 12-14: Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas
Spooky season doesn’t end on Oct. 31 at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail. Located on Frontage Road, Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is one of Central Florida’s most popular fear parks and back for Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas. This holiday-themed dark and spooky event features two haunted trails and one haunted hayride. For tickets and more details, visit sirhenryshauntedtrail.com
THANKFUL AND GRATEFUL!
It is Thanksgiving time and I am so thankful and grateful for these wonderful people pictured here!
This is the Edison family: Mrs. Doris Rayburn Edison, her son David Edison, and daughter Kimberlie Edison Harrell. Everybody in Plant City knows and loves the Edisons! I first met this family back in 1968 when I was five years old. Since that time (which I will be turning 63 in a few days) they have not only become my dear friends, but my family as well. We have shared the best of times and times that life brings with it. I just wanted them to know that they, along with their families, mean the world to me. Happy Thanksgiving! I love you!
2025WINNER
EHHS Donates 300+
Copies of ‘A Land Remembered’ to Area Schools
By Cierra Craft
Florida pioneers will come to life for 4th graders across Hillsborough County, thanks to the East Hillsborough Historical Society donating more than 300 copies of “A Land of Remembered” to six area schools and two homeschool co-ops.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Livestock Program developed a curriculum for Florida classrooms titled “A Land Remembered: Where Cattle, Conservation, and Beef Came Together!” Fourth graders across the state will follow a six-week curriculum, reading Patrick D. Smith’s 1984 best-selling novel about three generations of the MacIvey family, from the pioneer era in the 1800s to the era of modern Florida development.
EHHS president Shelby Bender said the organization’s involvement began when she saw a Facebook post by Bridget Stice of UF/IFAS Polk County seeking donations of copies of “A Land Remembered” for classrooms. EHHS wanted to ensure that Hillsborough County students could participate, donating books to Knights Elementary, Lithia Springs Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary, Cork Elementary, Reddick Elementary (Wimauma), York Innovations Academy (Apollo Beach), and two homeschool co-op groups
Bender said: “EHHS actively supports community education by funding annual scholarships, supplying classroom materials, and sponsoring visiting historians for in-class programs. This outreach strengthens our core mission of preserving the historic 1914 school building and the museum exhibits inside—a collection originally established by the local Early Childhood Educators Association.”
The curriculum program will help students learn about land stewardship, cattle ranching, and the ecosystem changes throughout Florida’s history. The program finale is an optional field trip or virtual participation in the Great Florida Cattle Drive, an immersive reenactment of Florida’s ranching heritage. The drive happens once every five years, moving cattle 80 miles among Florida’s remaining ranchlands. The drive begins at the IFAS Deluca Preserve in Osceola County and travels south through Florida’s cow country, concluding at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena with a lively trail’s end celebration.
“The fast-paced demands of modern life make it critical to inspire children with a sense of adventure and a commitment to sustainable living, fostering a respect for both nature and humanity,” said Bender. “We honor the legacy of Florida’s pioneers, whose hard work established the very paths we now travel to build and strengthen our communities.”
Want to follow along? Check out a copy of “A Land Remembered” at Bruton Memorial Library or purchase a copy at a local bookstore.
NOW LEASING
103 W Mahoney St.
Plant City, FL 33563
813-752-5116 TTY 711 405 E Damon St.
Plant City, FL 33563
813-659-2669 TTY 711
Aspire Plant City’s 2025 Woman of Distinction: Mary Mathis
By Cierra Craft
Each fall, Aspire Plant City recognizes one local woman for her extraordinary civic, professional, and/or philanthropic commitment and achievement, serving as a role model for other women and girls. Past “Woman of Distinction” award recipients have included Marsha Passmore (2020), Gwen Thomas (2021), Susan Sullivan (2022), Silvia Dodson (2023), and Traci Tew Walden (2024).
On October 29, Aspire Plant City held its Woman of Distinction luncheon, awarding Mary Mathis this tremendous accolade. Mathis grew up in Plant City and graduated from Plant City High School in 1975. In 1980, she graduated from Clark College, now known as Clark Atlanta University. She shaped the minds of our area youth as an educator for decades and as an assistant principal at Marshall Middle School for seven years. She then became a supervisor for the district’s transformation department; she retired from Hillsborough County School District in 2019.
Mathis joined the City Commission in 2000 and served as the Mayor of the City of Plant City from June 2013 to May 2014. She was just the second woman to hold the position, the first being Sadye Gibbs Martin for several terms in the 1980s. During her 25 years on the commission, Mathis spearheaded the revamp and flood management of Samuel W. Cooper Park and dedicated the pond at Brewer Park, among many other projects throughout her illustrious career. During her term as Mayor, Mathis worked with the Hillsborough County Economic Development Board to attract businesses to Plant City, creating jobs in the area. Mathis and the commission have approved the appointment of police chiefs, fire chiefs, city managers, and the development of city facilities, including the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, Plant City Tennis Center, and McIntosh Preserve.
For additional information about Aspire and how you can be involved, visit aspireplantcity.org or e-mail aspireplantcity@gmail.com.
27th Annual Lights of Love
Give the gift of love this holiday season by donating a tree light in memory or in honor of someone special. The Lights of Love tree will be located in McCall Park in downtown Plant City and will be lit through the holiday season. All donations are tax-deductible and will benefit the new South Florida Baptist Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Join us on Thursday, December 4, for the lighting of the tree. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus start at 5:30pm, followed by a holiday music program and lighting of the tree at 6:30pm. For more information, to review sponsorship opportunities or to purchase a light ($25-$200):
Community CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY
2025 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal Announced
Plant City Christmas Parade, Inc. announces that the 2025 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal will be Ali Sobh. Ali, the owner of Plant City’s Hungry Howie’s, has made a huge difference in Plant City through his generous support and involvement in the community. Plant City’s Home-town Christmas Parade, “Celebrate the Season – 2025,” will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Major Sponsors for this year’s parade are Unity in the Community and Stingray Chevrolet. Thanks to the help of Unity and Stingray, the Christmas parade promises to be a great event for everyone – young and the young at heart! There will be beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, heartwarming church participation, civic and service groups, local business participation, and, of course, the committee expects a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus to help us kick off the 2025 Christmas Season Celebration.
Parade sponsorships are needed, and all funds received go directly toward offsetting parade costs, including transporting local marching bands to the parade, purchasing necessary insurance, and renting lighting and portable restrooms. Sponsorships are available for as little as $250. Plant City Christmas Parade, Inc. is a non-profit, 501 (C) (3) organization, and contributions are tax-deductible. Anyone interested in being a parade sponsor is urged to contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134, Dodie White at 813-927-0595, Marsha Passmore at 813-245-2244, or Greg Buckner at 813355-6032.
Parade Applications are now available at the Plant City Chamber of Commerce or on the Plant City Christmas Parade Facebook page. Entries are limited to the first 75 “Board Approved” units, so interested entries are encouraged to get their applications sent in quickly to ensure a spot in the parade. Deadline for entries is November 26 – No Exceptions.
The Parade Route has changed this year due to Reynolds Street being closed at Palmer for repair work. The route begins at Collins and Ball Streets, travels north on Collins, travels west on Reynolds, travels south on Wheeler, and ends at Drane Street. More information will be addressed at the MANDATORY safety meeting on December 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the Sayde Gibbs-Martin Community Center. Any parade entry that does not have representation at the mandatory safety meeting will be disqualified from entering the parade route.
Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to five parade entrants – Best School Entry, Best Marching Entry, Best Church Entry, Best Business Entry, and the Best Overall Entry. Winners are selected by out-of-town judges with no input from the current parade board or committee.
Plant City’s Home-town Christmas Parade is a family event, and everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the fun. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and have a great time together. Spectators are asked to begin lining up on Collins, just north of Ball Street, to view the parade in its entirety and to allow for a safe parade unit line-up.
Navigate Open Enrollment with confidence.
Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2026 Headline Entertainment
By Cierra Craft
On Friday, November 14, the Florida Strawberry Festival released its lineup of artists performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the 2026 event. The lineup is as follows:
Thurs., Feb. 26
10:30 a.m. JIMMY STURR & HIS ORCHESTRA
3:30 p.m. The Oak Ridge Boys
7:30 p.m. Alabama
Fri., Feb. 27
3:30 p.m. Jo Dee Messina
7:30 p.m. Jamey Johnson
Sat., Feb. 28
3:30 p.m. Lonestar
7:30 p.m. Ty Myers
Sun., Mar. 1
6:30 p.m. Riley Green featuring Hannah McFarland
Mon., Mar. 2
3:30 p.m. Gene Watson
7:30 p.m. To Be Announced
Tues., Mar. 3
3:30 p.m. Sandi Patty
7:30 p.m. Lauren Daigle
Wed., Mar. 4
3:30 p.m. John Foster
7:30 p.m. Brantley Gilbert
Thurs., Mar. 5
10:30 a.m. Bill Haley Jr. & The Comets
3:30 p.m. The Bellamy Brothers
7:30 p.m. Dierks Bentley
Fri., Mar. 6
3:30 p.m. The Marshall Tucker Band
7:30 p.m. Forrest Frank
Sat., Mar. 7
3:30 p.m. To Be Announced
7:30 p.m. The Offspring
Sun., Mar. 8
7:30 p.m. To Be Announced
Advance tickets for gate admission and headline entertainment shows will go on sale Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at 8 a.m. EST at the Amscot Main Ticket Office located at 2209 W. Oak Avenue, and can be purchased online at www. flstrawberryfestival.com, on the Festival’s app, or by phone at 813-754-1996.
“As we unveil our headline entertainment for BerryFest26, I couldn’t be more proud to share this year’s theme — ‘Still Growing’ — which perfectly reflects both our community’s spirit and the Festival’s continued evolution,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson. “We’re honored to welcome an incredible lineup of artists, including Forrest Frank, Alabama, Riley Green, Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Lonestar, and many more, whose talent and energy will light up our stage. Each year, the Festival grows in excitement, tradition, and connection, and 2026 is shaping up to be our best celebration yet. From the fields to the fairgrounds, our roots run deep — and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you. Join us as we are ‘Still Growing!’”
Community CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY FOCUS
National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child
By Cheryl Johnston
The Operation Christmas Child (OCC) effort has been in full swing recently as churches, homeschool groups, and families who pack shoebox gifts prepare for the National Collection Week, November 17-24, 2025.
During those seven days, volunteers at 4,700+ drop-off locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico receive the gift-filled shoeboxes (also called “GO boxes” = gospel opportunities). Worldwide, the gifts are collected in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Since 1993, this Samaritan’s Purse outreach has collected and delivered more than 232 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 territories and countries. In 2024, the international Christian relief and evangelism organization (headed by Franklin Graham) collected 11.9 million shoebox gifts globally, with 10.5 million from the U.S. alone. The challenge involves over 519,000 volunteers worldwide—with more than 204,000 in the U.S.—who help collect, ship, and distribute the gifts.
Once collected locally, shoeboxes are prepared for overseas shipment at eight major “processing centers” in the U.S.—Atlanta; Baltimore/Washington; Boone and Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas/Fort Worth; Denver; Chicago; and Fullerton, California.
And every bit of that work has an eternal impact. Delivered into the hands of children through local
churches, each child can learn about Jesus Christ and God’s love. Since 2009, over 46 million recipients have participated in “The Greatest Journey,” a 12-lesson discipleship course, with more than 23 million making decisions for Christ.
Plant City is blessed to have involved folks like Bill Bender, the minister of pre-schoolers and children at First Baptist Church of Plant City. For each of the past two years, FBCPC has delivered more than 600 shoebox gifts to this area’s drop-off location at Plant City Church of God.
He shared, “I love seeing the power of Christ’s love carefully packed and sent with purpose. Knowing these small gifts can reach children in underserved or unreached parts of the world reminds us how God accomplished extraordinary things using ordinary people and simple acts of generosity. It’s humbling to realize our willingness to serve becomes part of a global movement that brings hope to children who may have never received a gift. Each box becomes a gateway for the Good News, furthered by church workers in their own communities. Serving with a ministry that pairs practical kindness with the life-changing message of Christ is a privilege and reminder that the gospel travels in many forms, sometimes even inside a small, brightly colored box.”
OCC East Hillsborough Area Coordinators, residents Don and Valerie Wendt, would agree!
Passionate about the ministry, their work involves volunteer recruitment – and they’ve done a wonderful job! Last November, area volunteers collected and cartonized 10,400 shoebox gifts. The 2025 goal is 11,500.
They offered: “We love supporting the local churches involved and are so encouraged by connecting and praying with pastors and their servant leaders.”
Angie Tidwell, a Church Relations Team member, has also especially enjoyed “the life-changing experience of serving in the Atlanta Processing Center and praying over the boxes before they’re transported to another country where many, many children will sense the love of Christ in a tangible way.”
John Walter, Logistics Coordinator for the East Hillsborough team, described OCC’s emphasis on sharing the Gospel as “a game changer.”
To discover year-round and seasonal OCC volunteer opportunities locally, please phone the Wendts at 813-748-4314 or e-mail valerie.wendt@ verizon.net. You can also enjoy the heartwarming video testimonials on YouTube.com and visit samaritanspurse.org for information about the worldwide impact of Samaritan’s Purse.
Jeff Zeigler and his wife, Mandy, moved to Plant City from Tampa a year ago to open a FISH Window Cleaning franchise, and they’re happy to be here! When asked to describe himself, Jeff shared: I’m a dad, a husband, a business owner, and a guy who just likes to find the best in things and people.
Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, he attended college in North Carolina. One of his passions is being on the water and doing any activities that involve water –things like water sports, fishing, diving, and using the boat to pull kids on tubes or kneeboards.
As to his favorite food at Fred’s, he likes every “carnivore/meat item they offer - especially their bacon.” He added, “Mandy loves the veggies.”
Describe the careers you’ve had.
For the past almost 25 years, I was a mental health counselor/ Disability Education Specialist. My first decade of work was as a guidance counselor at a Pinellas County high school. Then I spent almost 15 years working at the college level, where I specialized in helping students with disabilities acclimate to life in college and prepare for life after graduation. I loved my years in the counseling field, but I felt like it was time to try something new. Mandy and I learned about FISH Window Cleaning® from our brother-in-law, who opened his FISH office in St. Petersburg. There was a territory available spanning from Seffner to Winter Haven, and the more we explored the area, the more we fell in love with it. So, we opened FISH Window Cleaning® (fishwindowcleaning.com) in June of 2024, serving Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and all areas in between.
What hobbies or other interests do you enjoy?
Golf, golf, and golf...
One of my favorite things to do is refurbish and build things, especially when I can involve our kids! Our oldest daughter just recently earned her scuba diving certification, so we’ve had a lot of fun dive adventures. We love enjoying family time as much as possible and like to golf and play sports together, on the field and in our front or back yard.
We also find that each of us having a relationship with Christ helps us as a family, business, and in all aspects of life.
Jeff
Zeigler People of Plant City
By Cheryl Johnston
What do you enjoy most about life in Plant City?
Plant City is a true gem. One of my favorite characteristics is the laid-back feel and welcoming, friendly attitude that seems to be present everywhere we go. It’s a smaller community where people know and look out for each other. We’ve been here for a little over a year, moving from Tampa, and to say it’s a different vibe is an understatement. We love the smaller, friendly, tight-knit feeling.
Share one thing folks might be surprised to know about you.
HA! Most people would be surprised to learn of my impressive water-sliding talents. I hold the 2023 Easter Weekend 1st Place title for fastest water slider at the Marriott in Orlando. Also, I hold multiple graduate degrees in counseling and successfully completed a marathon at Disney back in 2011.
Name one gift you’d enjoy giving and receiving.
A dream gift would be to take the family on a fun snow ski, golf, or dive vacation.
Any suggestions on how to make the world a better place?
This is something we tell our kids all the time: If you give good, you get good. Doing the right thing and helping others when you have the opportunity (especially if you do it when no one knows or is looking) can make the world a better place.
Explain one thing you positively believe in.
I believe sometimes you’ve just got to let life happen; don’t force things to happen, or you may miss out on the journey you were supposed to take.
I also believe we should always have a goal we’re working toward or be trying something new that may be out of our comfort zone. Trying something different or accomplishing something we set out to do instills confidence and comfort with ourselves and in life.
I believe “Life’s a Garden. Dig it!!! - Joe Dirt
• General Home Inspections
• 4-point and Wind Mitigation insurance inspections
• New Construction, Manufactured Homes & Condos
• Advanced Pool Inspections and Leak Detection
Martin,
Master Inspector
• Docks/Boat Lifts and Seawall Inspections
• Ranch, Barns and fence line inspections
• Infrared Scanning/Thermal Imaging
• Commercial Inspections
DID YOU KNOW?
In Her Music and Her Courage, Betty June Barker Watkins Was
Outstanding
Writers in Residence Program
Dr. Scotty & Hsiu Huang History Center
Plant City History & Photo Archives
Having read in the Plant City Courier in 2005 that the Plant City Photo Archives was seeking to accumulate photos of World War II veterans, Betty June Barker was moved and called Betty Patton at the Archives; she said she wanted to help. And help she did.
For the next few weeks, Betty Barker called her friends, wrote letters, visited neighbors, left a cooler on her front porch for people to come by and drop veterans’ photos in the box if she wasn’t home or if it was late; she was up late many nights. Her efforts were astounding.
When the Archives put together its display for the annual Soiree in June 2005, the photos of WWII veterans reached across the room. Of the hundreds of photos on display, Betty Barker was responsible for collecting well over 400 of them. She held the veterans in high esteem.
Betty was born on December 22, 1928. Her mother, Annie Roberts Lamb Barker, died after surgery in 1934. Her father, Jesse William Barker, died in an automobile accident in 1936, leaving Betty, her brother Robert, and sister Jean orphaned. They were raised by their Aunt and Uncle, Ruth and Williard Lamb. Young as she was, Betty was always active and, without music lessons, was playing the piano before she was 8 years old. She was a natural and continued to play for delighted audiences for the next seventy years.
She formed a harmonica band in elementary school; she was a cheerleader and played the glockenspiel in high school, and played piano for the Kiwanis Club lunch meetings and became their first female member. At the First United Methodist Church, she played the piano, organ, and sang in the choir. After graduating in the 1946 Plant City High School class, she worked for TECO, then studied at Asbury College in Kentucky. After receiving her B.A., Betty headed for New York City, where she worked for the Board of
Missions of the United Methodist Church, and was later sent to the Belgian Congo as a missionary and teacher.
Returning to Plant City in 1958, Betty taught civics, history, and speech at Plant City High School and later became the Vocational Teacher at Turkey Creek High and then at Plant City High School – she taught for 37 years. She organized the DCT (Diversified Cooperative Training) and chaperoned her students to local, state, regional, and national events, as well as other events, including employeeemployer get-togethers, musical performances, and, especially, the annual Veterans Day celebration. In 1988, she was named the Outstanding Vocational Teacher of the Year. Many former students lovingly called her “Aunt Betty.”
During those busy years, Betty June Barker, who played many instruments, became known for her piano – she played for everyone, and many, many events. She loved it, and everyone loved her as they watched her joyously tap the pedals with her shoeless big toe.
Always following local politics, Betty ran for the city commission, riding her bicycle while campaigning. Against the odds, Betty June Barker became the first female Plant City Commissioner in 1969. She served until 1977 and earned the Junior Chamber of Commerce “Jaycees” Good Government Award in 1973. She was named Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women’s Club in 1975 and Plant City’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1983. Betty also served on the Selective Service Board and as vice president of the MacDill Chapter of the Retired Officers’ Wives Association.
Betty Barker married retired US Army Captain (WWII; Korea) LeRoy Watkins in 1981; he had worked for CF Industries for 30 years as a stationary engineer. LeRoy Watkins died (85) on January 1, 2005. Betty June Barker Watkins (78), called “an inspiration to all”, died on July 10, 2007.
Main Street
A Mainstay for Downtown Plant City
By Cierra Craft
Historic Plant City Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming and renewing Plant City’s historic downtown. The organization’s executive director, Dawn Hyatt, says its mission is simple but powerful: to create economic growth, to celebrate our culture, and to protect the stories that live within our historic places.
While the organization’s great downtown events bring crowds, Historic Plant City Main Street’s deeper purpose is economic vitality. This includes actively supporting local merchants and driving beautification and design improvements. Ultimately, the organization works to unify all stakeholders, creating a shared vision that ensures a thriving, welcoming, and historically conscious downtown Plant City.
Hyatt, Board President Karen Knox, and Board Vice President Lizzette Sarria share details of the exciting projects Historic Plant City Main Street is involved in this holiday season and beyond.
Main Street Kids is a youth market created to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, providing a platform for youth to set up shop, share their creativity and connect with the Plant City community.
On New Year’s Eve, Historic Plant City Main Street invites the community to countdown to 2026 at the 2nd annual Strawberry Drop. The event features vendors, live entertainment, a kids zone, and of course, a six-foot strawberry set to drop at the stroke of midnight.
For those who are not familiar with Historic Plant City Main Street, please tell us about the organization, its mission, and its leadership team.
Historic Plant City Main Street is all about connection—connection to our past, to one another, and to the future we are building together in our downtown.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing the heart of our city while preserving its historic charm. We often say our work is about “Bringing Our Downtown into Tomorrow Without Losing Her Yesterday.” Every project, every event, and every partnership reflects that balance between honoring what was and building what can be.
Under the guidance of Executive Director Dawn Hyatt, our board includes Board President Karen Knox, Board Vice President Lizzette Sarria, Board Secretary Alex Rae Rhoades, and board members Jake Buckner, Tammy Chancey, Kaleb McDonald, and Robert Tuppeny. Together, they bring local knowledge, civic pride, and a deep commitment to keeping downtown welcoming, vibrant, and full of heart.
Supporting our efforts is Kaci Compton, Marketing Specialist, who helps share the story of Historic Plant City Main Street, our beautiful downtown, and dedicated merchants with creativity, passion, and purpose, ensuring that every message reflects the soul of our community and the beauty of our shared vision.
There are three key parts of your mission: economic development, cultural enrichment, and historic preservation. How does Historic Plant City Main Street achieve these objectives?
We approach our mission through the proven Four Point framework of Main Street America. Our organization’s efforts bring people together— business owners, residents, and community partners—to create a unified vision for downtown. Through Design, we focus on beautification and improvement projects that highlight the architectural charm and walkable appeal of our district. Our Promotion work shines through a full calendar of events that welcome visitors and remind locals why they love our city. Finally, Economic Vitality is at the heart of everything we do, supporting local businesses and cultivating an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive.
Pictured with Dawn Hyatt (left) is Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd (right). Byrd visited the Historic Plant City Main Street office in May 2024. Secretary Byrd has presented the nonprofit with eight prestigious Secretary of State Main Street Awards.
Historic Plant City Main Street primarily serves downtown businesses. What resources and benefits are available to business owners through Main Street?
Downtown businesses are the heartbeat of a historic downtown, and everything we do is designed to help them thrive. Business owners have access to a supportive network of resources that encourage growth, connection, and creativity. We’re developing grant opportunities to assist merchants with façade improvements, signage, and historic preservation efforts. We also provide ongoing promotional support available through our website, newsletters, and social media, ensuring that our small business partners are front and center in our storytelling.
Historic Plant City Main Street continually hosts events year-round to invite residents and visitors to explore downtown and discover the small businesses that make our community so special. Our monthly networking meetings and merchant collaborations help business owners share ideas, celebrate success, and strengthen the collective spirit that keeps downtown Plant City vibrant and full of life.
Main Street organizes a full calendar of public events year-round. What are some of those exciting events coming up?
We are especially proud to host our inaugural Art in the Park on November 22 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a day when artists of all ages come together to share their gifts, and families can experience the magic of art right in the heart of our historic district.
That same evening, the Sip & Shop Art Walk takes place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., inviting visitors to stroll through downtown’s charming streets, enjoy local art, and explore unique shops while sipping something special.
The holiday spirit begins with our Christmas Window Contest, running November 15 through December 21. Each display tells its own story and invites visitors to wander, vote for their favorites, and experience the creativity of our local merchants firsthand.
On November 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., we’ll celebrate Small Business Saturday, encouraging residents and visitors to shop local and show love to the small businesses that make downtown Plant City shine.
During this same event, children can share in the magic by dropping off their Letters to Santa, one of the sweetest ways to spread joy and holiday cheer across the community. And while you’re downtown, don’t forget to stop by our Historic Plant City Main Street office for complimentary gift wrapping! Just bring a receipt from a purchase made that day at any downtown Plant City business, and we’ll wrap it with care—our little way of saying thank you for supporting local.
We’ll continue the festivities with the inaugural Jingle Jangle Market on December 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Shoppers can find handmade treasures, meet local vendors, and feel the festive spirit all around downtown.
And when the year draws to a close, we’ll count down together at the 2nd Annual Strawberry Drop on December
31 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. This signature celebration honors Plant City’s most famous fruit and the people who make this town so special. It’s a joyful way to welcome a new year of growth, pride, and promise.
Each of these events was created with love—for our businesses, for our residents, and for those who visit and leave a little piece of their heart in downtown Plant City. For full details on all of our upcoming events, visit our website www.plantcitymainstreet.org.
What can the community expect from Historic Plant City Main Street in 2026?
While the future is still unfolding, we are dreaming big. Our aspirations include purchasing a permanent building to serve as our home and downtown welcome center, developing Umbrella Alley as a colorful pedestrian destination, introducing a vibrant monthly Farmers Market, and expanding grant availability to support local merchants. We also aim to continue building partnerships focused on historic preservation, launch new beautification initiatives, and strengthen community involvement through volunteerism and shared ownership of downtown’s success. Every step we take is guided by our love for this city and our belief that when we invest in the heart of downtown, we invest in everyone who calls Plant City home.
On Saturday, November 29, downtown businesses will be open for holiday shopping, and Historic Plant City Main Street’s office will be open for complimentary gift wrapping as its way to say thank you for shopping small this holiday season.
Is there anything I haven’t asked that you want readers to know? We want people to know that everything we do is driven by community. None of it happens without the people who show up, volunteer, partner, sponsor, or simply walk through downtown with pride.
We are deeply proud to have been recognized by the Florida Department of State with eight prestigious Secretary of State Main Street Awards. Those honors remind us that our community’s efforts are being recognized and celebrated at the state level.
But the real reward is right here at home. It’s in the laughter on the streets during an event, the lights glowing in a restored storefront, and the friendships that form through shared purpose.
Historic Plant City Main Street is here for the long haul. Together, we’re keeping downtown alive, welcoming, and full of hope for generations to come.
A Front Cover Treasure Hunt: Can You Spot Them All?
Look closely at the photo featured on the front cover—we’ve turned it into a fun community challenge! We’ve secretly placed the Historic Plant City Main Street Ornament a number of times within the image.
Here’s the mission: Count every single Historic Main Street Christmas Ornament you can find.
How to play: Once you have your final number, submit your guess to www.plantcitymainstreet.org by December 11, 2025.
The stakes are high: A drawing from the correct submissions will be held at our Jingle Jangle Market on December 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., where the winner will be awarded a $100 Gift Card! Join us there or watch live on Facebook! Happy hunting!
For questions about the Front Cover Treasure Hunt, please contact Historic Plant City Main Street at 813-358-8898 or director@plantcitymainstreet.com.
MAIN STREET: A MAINSTAY FOR DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY
In line with Historic Plant City Main Street’s mission to drive beautification, the organization held “Trash CanVas: Call to Artists,” commissioning local artists to paint dumpsters throughout the downtown core. Pictured left to right: Dawn Hyatt, Lizzette Sarria, artist Courtney Dodson, Erin Hollenkamp, and City Manager Bill McDaniel.
2025 FOCUS
GiftHolidayGuide
FOCUS Magazine makes it easy for our Plant City readers to find the perfect gifts to give for the holidays.
From the hottest gifts to holiday classics, our city has many local businesses to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Parkesdale Market has the gift basket perfect for the hostess of the holiday party. RAOK and Lakeland’s Yates and Hagan has something for everyone, with a variety of items to choose from. Brown’s Jewelers and McAuley Fine Jewelry, located in on Kings Avenue in Brandon, had gifts for those who like bling and elegance.
Shopping small supports the local economy
When you shop local, $68 of every $100 spent stays local when you shop small, compared to less than $40 when you shop eith a corporate store. When you shop from an independent, family-owned business, money spent is cycled to employees, and through local schools, sports teams, and charitable organizations.
Local businesses provide a more personal touch
Buying from a corporate giant has advantages, but customer service isn’t always one of them. Local businesses will often offer a one-on-one experience helping find a gift and gift guide advertiser—RAOK—offers gift wrapping, free of charge.
Should the gift recipient have any issues with their present, our local businesses make exchanges and returns easy. Business owners can address customer concerns quickly and easily.
Your local merchants—your friends and neighbors—work hard each year to create an exciting and magical experience in the community. Celebrate the season by shopping small this holiday season!
Belle Etoile 4-piece Set
Sterling Silver with Rhodium Plate and Enamel. This is the Byzantine Style which features brilliant and colorful stones bezel-set in pristine frames of rhodium-plated, nickel allergy-free, 925 sterling silver.
McAuley Fine Jewelry
201 S Kings Ave Suite 4, Brandon, FL 33511, (813) 689-8124, Open Tues-Fri 10AM to 6PM, Sat 10AM to 4PM
Emerald Cut Bezel-Set Ring
4.92cttw of Emerald Cut Lab Diamonds E-F/VS1 bezel-set ring into a 14kw mounting
McAuley Fine Jewelry
201 S Kings Ave Suite 4, Brandon, FL 33511, (813) 689-8124, Open Tues-Fri 10AM to 6PM, Sat 10AM to 4PM
Ranging from 0.06cttw to 1cttw on cable and box chains
McAuley Fine Jewelry
201 S Kings Ave Suite 4, Brandon, FL 33511, (813) 689-8124, Open Tues-Fri 10AM to 6PM, Sat 10AM to 4PM
Engagement Ring
5.34cttw engagement ring with a 3.01ct lab diamond in the center with 6 emerald cut lab diamonds set into a 14kw mounting, made in house.
McAuley Fine Jewelry
201 S Kings Ave Suite 4, Brandon, FL 33511, (813) 689-8124, Open Tues-Fri 10AM to 6PM, Sat 10AM to 4PM
McGimsey Development T-Ball
By Cierra Craft
Behind every tiny athlete in a too-big helmet with a happy-go-lucky approach to the game is a dedicated group of coaches and parents. Our Team of the Month, McGimsey Development T-Ball, is the perfect example of a community rallying together to teach the youngest players the fundamentals of fun, friendship, and fair play.
“The major lesson we’re trying to teach players is good sportsmanship, because they are so young, this is a lot of their first time playing,” said Ryan VanValkenburg, head coach. “We want them to know how to be good ‘teammates’ in life - on and off the field.”
VanValkenburg played baseball at Plant City Little League, and this was his first season as a coach. Edwin VanValkenburg, Ryan McGimsey, Garrett Wilcox, and Kyle Wynne round out the coaching staff. Each is at various stages of their coaching career, bringing a love for the game.
While the T-ball team did not win every game this season, losing is a part of life, but if you learned something, you haven’t really lost. That can be a tough lesson to learn at ages 3 to 6.
VanValkenburg said, “Each of our boys has been extremely dedicated! It’s my personal favorite to watch kids grow who weren’t even sure baseball was something they’d enjoy. We’ve had a few kids come from playing soccer, thinking that was their sport,
and they have excelled here. It’s cool that they’re able to see their talents shine in all kinds of placesnot just one sport.”
The McGimsey Development T-Ball team would not have been possible without the support of the team sponsor and parents.
“We are especially thankful to the parents of our players and our sponsor this year!” said VanValkenburg. “My dad always told me when he coached that half of picking a team was picking good parents. I didn’t truly understand that until I was on the other side. Each parent has stepped up to any ask or need. I know their kids will do well in any season because they have support behind them.”
From Our Family To yours!
RISING STAR Garrett Hudson
By Cierra Craft
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 fourthgrader 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.”
Meet the Maker:
The Crafted Butterfly
By Cierra Craft
Owned and operated by Rob and Diane Tuppeny, this colorful haven is every crafter’s dream, specializing in premium cardstock and embellishments for paper crafting, journaling, and mixed-media art. In 2013, Rob began making one-of-a-kind, embellished photo frames for family, and he and Diane began to wonder if they could sell his hand-painted and decorated creations. In 2014, the couple sold their first custom order on Etsy, and their business took off.
“Rob suggested in March 2021 that we should open a brick-and-mortar location, and within two days, we had decided on a name, we had a business license, and in July 2021, we opened our doors,” said Diane.
The Crafted Butterfly features cardstock, rice paper, chipboard, ephemera, and more from brands like Graphic 45, Prima and Echo Park. It carries papercraft items typically only available overseas, allowing its customers to shop for materials not available at other craft stores. The Crafted Butterfly is the only business in Plant City that carries Tim Holtz Distress and Idea-Ology collections in-store.
The Crafted Butterfly features a carefully curated selection of local treasures. Customers can find Rob’s custom-made photo frames and plaques, handpoured scents from Graytful Candle Co., glamorous bracelets by Bourbon and Boweties, and unique merchandise boasting the hand-drawn designs of RavenCoi Studios.
“We both have experience in retail, so we put our skills together to create our brick-and-mortar,” said
Rob. “...We knew we wanted to allow other artists to sell their crafts in the store, not only to support local artists, but also to have one-of-a-kind inventory.”
Diane added: “People may come in and they’re not a crafter, they want something pre-made, but not mass-produced, or they’re looking for a handmade gift.”
The heart of The Crafted Butterfly lies in its popular monthly classes. These workshops offer customers a chance to create their own masterpieces, inspired by one of Rob and Diane’s original crafts, with all necessary materials included in the price. There is no age limit, nor is previous crafting experience required.
“We give creative freedom, we give the idea and the supplies, when customers ask, ‘What do I need to bring?’ I tell them all they need to bring is their imagination,” said Diane.
The couple has successfully built a community, noting that repeat customers often return to these classes just to connect and share their passion for crafting with fellow enthusiasts.
“We’ve met so many wonderful women who have become family–they came to our son’s wedding and baby shower, we celebrate birthdays and go to dinner together,” said Diane. “I know we are supposed to be here to have these women in our lives. They’re our butterfly family.”
The Crafted Butterfly is a true local gem, where creativity takes flight.
To sign up for the next craft class, stop in, call (813) 704-4034, or visit https://thecraftedbutterfly.com/collections/classes
102 S Evers Street #106, Plant City, FL 33563 thecraftedbutterfly.com
Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Leaders in Faith
LaVerne Cribbs
By Cheryl Johnston
Plant City native LaVerne Cribbs facilitates an open-to-the-public Life Recovery group at Plant City Church of God. All are welcome to attend weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in room 3.
LaVerne has lived most of her life here, except for the seven years immediately after marrying her high school sweetheart, Dennis, whose job required them to live in Polk County. They’d met at a church youth camp and were married for 43 years until an aggressive form of leukemia took his life in 2015. Professionally, she’s an accountant, but for relaxation, she loves spending time with her three children and four grandchildren, reading, studying, exploring her current interests, gardening, and experiencing nature outdoors.
One favorite verse is John 10:10, in which Jesus says, “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” She believes He offers this when we follow His way of living. She also feels it’s important to share Christ through relationships. “People will sometimes share their struggles and fears in conversations,” she explained, “which opens a door for me to say, ‘I have learned’ or ‘my experience is.’ After I describe the life-giving truth from the Word of God, I can ask, ‘Do you know how much God loves you?’”
How did you come to faith in Jesus?
My Mom and Granny took me to weekly church services. Although I don’t remember exactly my age when I accepted Jesus as my Savior and was baptized, I’m so thankful for the biblical teaching I received. This wonderful foundation is such an important part of my life. After Dennis and I married, we had trouble finding a church home, so we prioritized careers and parenting. Upon returning to Plant City, my mother started taking our daughter to church. One Sunday when she couldn’t, our daughter became so distraught that Dennis and I took her. Before long, I realized how empty I felt without the close relationship I once had with the Lord. Then I rededicated my life to Him and was baptized again. I taught a young married women’s Sunday School class and later taught various training classes.
What brought you to begin a Life Recovery group?
Over the years, I’ve served in many church roles, including teaching, leading women’s ministry, facilitating witnessing courses, starting a mom’s prayer group, and establishing libraries. Today, I substitute teach several GROW classes and have recently become involved with recovery groups.
Having always been excited to study God’s Word and share how it’s helped me, I took courses and collected various resources. After experiencing the devastation of a struggling family member’s addiction, I found a lifesaving group,
“Find a church that teaches the Word of God and provides some answers.”
researched resources, and talked with many people to realize its prevalence in our society now. I learned about Codependency and how family members must deal with their own ways of relating to others. When deciding how to serve at Plant City Church of God, I knew helping others facing these issues was my heart. Our education director gave me permission to team up with that first group’s leader, Debbie Ray, and start a Life Recovery group open to the community. We address substance abuse and behavioral addictions, which are sometimes triggered by trauma. I’d like to share what took me so long to learn. Hopefully, others can get support sooner to deal with overwhelming, life-changing issues.
Concerning the Christian faith, what would you suggest?
Our God is big enough to handle all your doubts, fears, and questions, so talk to Him about those. Find a church that teaches the Word of God and provides some answers. Listen to and follow the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2:1415 (Amp) “Remind the people of these facts and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen. Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.”
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Candy’s Corner
By Candy Owens
Everyone is voting for Jack!
’Cause he’s got what all the rest lack. Everyone wants to back—Jack Jack is on the right track.
‘Cause he’s got high hopes
He’s got high hopes
Ninteen Sixty’s the year for his high hopes.
Come on and vote for Kennedy
Vote for Kennedy
And we’ll come out on top!
Oops, there goes the opposition (3x) KERPLOP!
K-E-DOUBLE N-E-D-Y
Jack’s the nation’s favorite guy Everyone wants to back-Jack Jack is on the right track.
‘Cause he’s got high hopes
He’s got high hopes
Nineteen Sixty’s the year for his high hopes.
Come on and vote for Kennedy Vote for Kennedy
Keep America Strong.
AHHHH! Now that was a great campaign strategy, sung by Frank Sinatra who took the 1959 hit single, “High Hopes,” and changed the lyrics in support of his close friend John F. Kennedy, the 1960 Democratic presidential candidate.
Despite his busy star studded schedule, Sinatra made many campaign appearances singing his High Hopes, and keeping a flame under other celebrities to keep on for Kennedy. On Election Night, he gathered at the home of fellow loyalist movie stars Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, hunkering down for what proved to be a long night waiting for the state vote counts which eventually gave Kennedy victory in the early morning hours.
Back in January of 1961, on a bright, frozen Washington morning, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was inaugurated, declaring, “The torch has been passed to a new generation— born in this country, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage.”
It wasn’t just Kennedy’s speech, youth and good looks that gave people the reason to feel optimistic. It was also the undeniable history of the occasion. Kennedy was the descendant of an Irish Famine survivor and America’s first Catholic president.
So, awareness of this “ancient heritage” was going to trickle down and change the kinds of people at the center of American power.
I was born during the Kennedy administration and my parents were big Kennedy supporters. As a child I remember our coffee table and bookshelves were filled with books and magazines regarding the Kennedys. Anything to do with the Kennedys received attention in our house. My Dad was a History teacher and kept a close ear on anything to do with politics and/or our country. My Mother loved the Kennedys and everything about them, their class, their culture, their brilliance, their elegance, their sense of style, and their age. My Mother used to look up, smile, and say: “The Kennedys made America young.”
I can remember the first Presidential Election that I took part in back in the 19681969 school year. I was a Jackson Elementary first-grader and my teacher, Mrs. Myra James Weldon, along with our college intern, Mrs. Sandy Black, announced that we would be holding a “Mock Presidential Election.” We had no idea that the word “mock” meant not real or fake. We thought this was the real deal and was just as important as what our parents did when they stepped behind those dark blackout curtains. Mrs. Weldon wrote the candidates’ names on the blackboard: Richard M. Nixon(R), Hubert H. Humphrey(D), George C. Wallace(I), and Pat Paulsen(Comedian from The Smothers Brothers TV Show and Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In).
We were so excited. Mrs. Weldon explained that we did not have a real voting booth so we would all put our heads down on our desks with our eyes closed. When
she called the name of the candidate we wanted, we raised our hand and each vote was marked on the board. When we were told to raise our heads, we saw the votes tallied on the blackboard. George C. Wallace and Pat Paulson were in the lead followed by Richard M. Nixon. The tail end was held by Hubert H. Humphrey, who received only one vote (from yours truly— haha!). Some children in my class clapped for the winner while others booed or stuck their tongues out because their candidate lost. That was serious business to us back then and I can assure you that our teacher gave us a lecture about sore losers.
Here we are some 50-plus years later and election time is upon our country. In the past few months I have seen such unbelievable behavior and heard such unkind words between the two candidates, far worse than the days of sore losers sticking their tongues out at one another or booing! In fact, their bad behavior is beyond measure in my book. They say: “History Repeats Itself.” Does it? Are we back in the days of the Caveman? Are we in a place where if someone doesn’t like you or doesn’t like what you say, that you just run up and smack them in the head with a club?
Watching the Presidential Debates on TV reminds me of two first graders that both want to be the line leader. I’m afraid the next time I turn on the television, I might see the two candidates in the middle of the Roman Coliseum fighting each other with anything they can get their hands on.
I hope history does repeat itself! I hope America can find its way back to a time of civilized behavior. I hope we Americans can go back to a time when people respected one another, a time where the elderly, the sick, the Veterans, the working class, and the people with special needs are cared for in a respectful manner. A time where people waited their turn. A time where people held their tongues if they couldn’t say something nice. A time where people said: “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Pardon me.” A time when people put their best foot forward. A time when people where thankful for their many blessings. 813-752-1111
5:30PM Enjoy Christmas carols and photos with Santa Claus at the
Ball Street north to Reynolds Street. The parade will turn left onto Reynolds, then left onto Wheeler Street, ending at the corner of Wheeler and Drane Street.
Cost: Free Info: sharonmoody91@yahoo.com
Nate A. Kilton - Mayor
Jason M. Jones - Vice Mayor
William D. Dodson
Mary Thomas Mathis
Michael S. Sparkman Commissioners
Gallery of Plant City
DANCING WITH THE LOCALS
On Friday, October 24, eight local couples competed in the 17th annual Dancing With the Locals, performing choreographed dance routines and raising money for the Plant City Rotary Club. This year, Shaunie and Dillon Zimmerman raised the most funds, followed by Amber and Sean Colleran, and Courtney and Will Justin. The Collerans were also named the Judges’ Choice Award winners.
a. This year’s eight dancing pairs included husband-wife teams, engaged folks, and a father-daughter duo. Each performed a dance that showcased their personality or embodies parts of their personal story, all while raising funds for the Rotary Club.
b. Christopher and Vanessa Fletcher performed a Barbie-themed routine, complete with a large life size Barbie box (not pictured) and Christopher’s entrance to the dance floor was memorable as he rode in on a scooter.
c. Dillion and Shaunie Zimmerman were named this year’s winner of the mirror ball trophy, raising more money than the other seven couples for the Plant City Rotary Club.
d. Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Gabriela Hagman and her dad, Chris, performed a dance that incorporated his love for tennis and her crowning as Queen. Gabriela spoke to the crowd sharing how much fun she had sharing the ten dance lessons with her dad leading up to the performance.
e. This year’s judges were Jillian Lynch, Cliff Brown, Chelsea Snyder, and Ali Sobh. The judges were tasked with giving each dancing couple feedback and scoring their routine from one to ten. Only one couple, Amber and Sean Colleran, were awarded “10” by all four judges.
