Plant City Times & Observer

2 weeks ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

Its effects ripple through the community to local families. Every spring, more than 650,000 visitors flock to Plant City for the Florida Strawberry Festival, lured by the scent of fried foods, the sound of thrilling concerts and small-town charm, but long after the food is eaten and the concerts end lies a powerful story of economic impact that touches nearly every corner of the community.

1 month ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

These tips will help tackle dirt and grime to create a healthy home. Baseboards and bathrooms and vents, oh my. While not everyone may enjoy their spring cleaning chores, it’s better than some other seasonal activities that occur during the same time frame, like writing a fat check to Uncle Sam or trying to figure out if the cat food purchased to feed stray cats is tax deductible (it’s not, if you’re wondering).

1 month ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

Cookie Barn serves up five varieties of warm, freshly-baked cookies. Get ‘em before they’re gone. For six years, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies has drawn crowds to one particular stand at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Behind the “sweet success” of the Cookie Barn is a mother-daughter duo with an unusual twist- only one of them knows the recipes.

1 month ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

Get your picture taken with the berry cutest duo during the 11-day event. Even though the Florida Strawberry Festival (FSF) has been welcoming visitors through its gates to enjoy berries, berries and more berries since 1930 (then known as the Plant City Strawberry Festival), Mr. And Miss Berry, the official mascots of the 11-day event, didn’t make their first appearance until Feb. 10, 1993.

1 month ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

Thrill-seeking options of all sizes on the Florida Strawberry Festival midway. For thrill seekers of all ages, there’s something about experiencing the physical sensation of terror while knowing you’re safe on some level that is absolutely satisfying. While the Florida Strawberry Festival has contracted with a different midway company this year, that doesn’t mean that those seeking that rush won’t find it on one (or more) of the new company’s rides.