Plant City Times & Observer

Launched in July 2012, this complimentary weekly newspaper delivers local news and advertising to residents of east Hillsborough County. It has a weekly circulation of 15,000 copies, which can be found in distribution racks and via home delivery. The paper is available both as an independent publication and as a section in the Tampa Bay Times specifically for the Plant City region.

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Cops Corner 05.29.25

1 week ago | plantcityobserver.com | Sarah Holt

Cops Corner 05.29.25May 16New Sleeping Arrangements Made – Drug Investigation2400 block of James L Redman PkwyOfficers responded to a report of a suspicious person possibly sleeping inside a vehicle parked next to a business. Officers observed a subject asleep in the driver’s seat. After an investigation, the subject was placed under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers Recognized at 63rd Annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

3 weeks ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

The event, organized by the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association, honors those who protect and serve the community.
Athlete of the Week 05.01.25

1 month ago | plantcityobserver.com | Sarah Holt

Toby HighsmithPhoto courtesy of Molly BeattieToby is a junior at Strawberry Crest and is the starting catcher for the Chargers’ varsity baseball team. How long have you been playing baseball? I started playing baseball at East Point when I was about four years old. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank your team’s season now that it’s over? I would rate our season a 9. There’s not too much I would change at all.
Gentlemen’s Quest Club Gets Visit From Police Chief

1 month ago | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

Police build rapport with youth while encouraging character and success. Photos courtesy of Stanley GloverWoo, woo, woo. Plant City Police Department Chief Richard Mills, Jr. and Captain Alfred Van Duyne visited the Marshall Middle Magnet IB World School’s Gentlemen’s Quest Club on Monday to engage with students and build positive relationships, offer guidance and support their development.
Florida Strawberry Festival Delivers Sweet Economic Boost to Plant City and Its People

1 month 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.
Spring Cleaning and Well-Being

2 months 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).
Mother-Daughter Duo Celebrates Six Sweet Years of Cookie Success at Florida Strawberry Festival

Mar 6, 2025 | 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.
The Berry Best Mascots: Mr. & Miss Berry

Feb 27, 2025 | 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.
New Midway Rides Sure to Thrill

Feb 27, 2025 | 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.
Know Before You Go

Feb 27, 2025 | plantcityobserver.com | Michelle Caceres

2025 Florida Strawberry Festival Facts Planning ahead will make your visit to the 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival even more fruitful. Please take a few minutes to look over these answers to your questions. How much is admission? Regular admission at the gate is $15 for ages 13 and up, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and always FREE for children 5 and under. Are any discounts available?