Mike Batchelor invited the heads of 46 charities into his downtown office for one-on-one meetings to personally deliver the news. Nearby, on a small table, sat a box of tissues. ...more

November 22, 2007

Take a long, deep breath. Brace yourself. You know what is coming. ...more

November 14, 2007

She was consistently first in line with a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand or a hot meal whenever someone was in need. ...more

November 7, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights leaders of civic organizations and charities. This week's column features Mary Alice Hendricks, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City, 304 N. Collins St. Contact the agency at (813) 759-0886 or www.plantcitypregnancycenter.org. ...more

November 7, 2007

Joan Drolle of New Port Richey says the state has provided no relief when it comes to property taxes. ...more

November 7, 2007

Well, I can still remember the Depression days, in 1930, when I was a small child. We all had it pretty rough. My father worked for the W.P.A., which was a government job, which was started by the government for poor and needy families. I remember as a small girl making trips to our local fire department for free milk and bread. The school board furnished us children our shoes and a milk lunch each day for the needy families. Yes, there were many charities in those days and our family was so thankful and grateful for their help. There was so much love and support in those days. ...more

October 26, 2007

Starbucks opens its first Plant City coffee shop at 5 this morning and it shouldn't be hard to find for motorists passing through town on Interstate 4. ...more

October 11, 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: This occasional series spotlights the heads of local charities and civic organizations. This week's column features Linda Lawson, executive director of United Food Bank & Services of Plant City, 712 E. Alsobrook St. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The phone number is (813) 764-0625. ...more

October 1, 2007

I'm always sad to see the summer end. The kids go back to school and the relaxed attitudes that go hand-in-hand with hot weather shift. But the one thing I don't mind about the change in seasons is an opportunity to clean out my closet. ...more

September 23, 2007

Modern descendants of the Seven Celtic Nations come together to raise money for charities, discuss their history and sip whiskey for a taste of culture. ...more

September 19, 2007